Ripped off and itchy

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It's not always easy being the freak in the long-sleeved shirt. Especially when it's giving you heat rash.

I've just returned from Southern Thailand - Krabi and Koh Phangan - to be precise. Tourists go there for sand, sea and fun. I did have some fun catching up with friends from the UK, but I don't really like sand all that much, and the sun just fries me like a big egg. I was in Italy once and a man tried to chat me up by telling me I looked like mozzarella.

No, I'm not an albino, just a very fair, red-headed creature of mixed Celtic descent. I was in hospital at the age of five with sunburn ... my dermatological issues aren't that interesting. Besides I knew it would be hot. What I wasn't counting on was being swindled by a travel agent - that's you, Ninja at MNT travel in Bangkok - some of the world's worst bus services and my phone getting splashed with seawater because of some idiots on a boat which means I've been without texts for days and days, and now I have to go to a department store (which I hate) and buy a new one.

Sometimes I feel I'm not very good at this travelling business, although I've managed to get myself to 36 countries. Anyway, I was in Bangkok's Khao San Rd, stupefied by the heat and needing a train ticket to Surathani. I thought, why schlep over to the train station when I am surrounded by travel agents? To be brief, I tried to find an approved agent, ended up in the police station and finally at this agency on Buranasat near the Democracy Monument where a ticket and accommodation at Ao Nang and Koh Phangan was booked. It seemed expensive, but I was hot and I don't like to waste people's time by being difficult. It was expensive, though Ninja the Swindla didn't take me for as much as he took the Norwegian.

Thailand has a reputation for being cheap, but not if you're constantly being ripped off.

I was charged double what the train ticket was worth, and after the train ended up on a two-hour 'express' service from Surathani to Krabi that took four and a half hours, stopped constantly, involved changing vehicles and wouldn't let us get off at the legit bus station. Thais were allowed to get off, but the foreigners were forcibly stopped from alighting, counted and taken to a dodgy taxi stand in the middle of nowhere where it was expected we would spend more money. (The name of this fine transport company is Phantip - avoid.) We were furious. We foreigners may have been ignorant, but we weren't completely stupid.

Thanks to an American who knew a local, I was 'rescued' and taken to Krabi town. It was now about 1.30pm. I'd left Bangkok on the train (top berth, second class, no windows, lights on all night) at 7.30pm the night before. For what I'd spent I should have been in a comfortable first class berth, but hey ho.

Maybe I should thank Ninja the Swindla as I learnt a couple of things. First, I should listen to my instincts. I had an uneasy feeling about him and rightly so. Second, just because someone spends time trying to sell me something, I don't have to feel obligated to buy it. It's OK to be difficult and I DON'T HAVE TO BE POLITE. On returning to Bangkok I walked away from a couple of cab drivers trying to hustle me and it felt good. To reach this point via therapy could have cost thousands. Maybe there are a few bargains here after all.

Must go and buy a new phone.

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Comments

[Eric]

I really enjoyed your Thailand post. I had some similar experiences there but it in the end I loved it. My blog is looking for travel photos. If you have the time, email us some at [e-mail] or check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com Continued fun on your travels, Eric

[amateurbackpacker]

thanks Eric, there's more to come but ran out of time Even with insects and aggravation it's better than being at work. When get the pics organised (must consult owner of this computer who is not here) will send you some Carolyn