Planes, Trains, and Yachtomobiles

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General Observations Day 3

The Thai (men) at least in Bangkok subscribe to a cult called the TAT. In our brief stay we

have been approached no less than 30 times to 'visit the headquarters.' We have even made

it into the upper echelons conversing with 'Jack from Houston Texas.' As a devotee and

supposed seer he speaks no less than seven languages (including parseltongue), and

switches effortlessly from a charismatic best friend to a looming fear monger (Especially when

you don't buy the 900 dollar overly touristy and structured vacation).



Not all bad comes from being accosted by the TAT. Every conversation with a Thai man in

Bangkok ended up at the TAT. Even the gentleman who had a day off from work because his

wife just had a baby (a line?). But alas I have newfound empathy for women who go to bars

(in the states). No matter how circuitous a conversation may seem- in Bangkok its really only

headed on direction.



Oh yes- the motivation- The TAT is the "Tourist authority of Thailand." As we dug (not very

deep) it turns out they give anyone gas coupons to wrangle in tourists. I thought my camo

shirt would allow me to blend in, apparently the backpack gives it away.

Conversation between Sam and I

A little background- the sun is out- shining softly on the grass, leaves rustling birds chirping.


Sam to Pat"I totally saw some guys with a turd stuck to his hair!"

Pat to Sam "Are you sure- maybe it was a growth...?"

Seven hours later

The wind has subsided, birds have nestled in for the evening, strolling down Khao San Road

Sam to Pat "That guy totally still has a turd stuck to his head!"

DAY FOUR

Well don't the caps make it look ominous. Incredibly exhausted- in a town called Chaweng-

pronounced like the semisuccesful mid-90's term Sha-wing.

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Photos

Bangkok at night
From the same tower- Drinks cost 320 baht- which is comparitively to Thailand- expensive- in the states incredibly cheap- about 8 dollars for a Martini or such. Plus the great view-

Thai Navy
More runins with the law

Riding the cheap boat-
Don't listen to the tourist wranglers- these boats cost 13 baht- about 37 cents- instead of 450-500 which is where they try to rope you.

River Boats
We drank our water from the source.

Posh Bar
Located at the 64th floor- this is the 3rd tallest building in Thailand. Sam decided it would be nice to visit the top

Dinner-
We may eat here at the end of the trip-

Night Train- the morning after
In between two cars- heading down to Koh Samui- a 12 hour- overnight trip- about 14 dollars for a ticket.

Comments

[Mike]

Hi Pat
Pat, we all continue to follow your adventure with great interest. Your photographs are woderful; your observations keen; your experience, as the commercial says . . . priceless. --Uncle Mike