So I rode in a car with Lea back to Bangkok earlier than the rest. Lea is an awesome German lady who I really got on well with, has a sparkling personality and is as gregarious as me – she was always willing to answer my stupid questions – or call me a dumba$$ on request. She is on her gap year. She is also the lady who told me about the Octave sky bar, but didn’t mention its in a red light district that I was lost in at one point last weekend. I didn’t let her forget that 🙂 lol

That experience taught me that I prefer traveling with the female volunteers because the amount of street harassment I get tends to go down. It probably doesn’t help that I dress more smartly than most (button down shirts and long pants) because all my clothes are SPF 50+ and its a conservative country so someone is always trying to get me to get a “custom suit”.

I wanted more time in Bangkok and Lea had to catch a bus to Laos. So I walked her to her bus catch point discovered she was delayed. We have had this running joke because I only have my carry on backpack and a cross body sling bag and almost everyone else has large suitcases/bags, if not multiple of them. Trying to get from Khao San Police station with Lea’s bag was humorous. Then when we got to the bus agent – they were like “Bag too Big”… we resolved it as it was only too big for the minivan to the bus station at Hua Lamphong.

Then we then visited my hostel after learning that there was an hour delay due to traffic. So we went and dropped off my bag (still only my carry on backpack)!! And then returned to the bus pickup point to drop Lea off. It was sad to see her go but part of this journey is making friends and parting.

So I am staying in the Green House Hostel just next to Khao San Road. I have splurge for the private room with en-suite bath ($14/night) for my one night. However the en-suite bathroom just makes me laugh. Hey, at least it’s hot water.

I do love the hotel from the road though and sitting out there eating my chicken and cashew was lovely.

I took a Grab (Uber equivalent) to the Patong Museum as it was one of the things mentioned as night activities I could do by myself which wasn’t a market or a food tour. I will make a different post about the museum.

I came back to Khao San road, had some rice, chicken and basil for 100 Baht ($3). Saw a sound inspection of Khao San Road bars which was interesting and had a good conversation with 2 Northern European men who needed some pointers. It is so easy to meet people in Khao San and have conversations. Back at my hotel I ate oreo’s on the balcony with a plumber from Sheffield whose room didn’t have air conditioning. He was having a good time though.

At midnight I headed to bed still hearing the bass from the disco’s. It reminded me of the Disco at my brother Guy’s wedding underneath my room. Yeah, it was early but I don’t know how I will sleep on the train.