Bangkok

Breakfast where there were more waiters than diners. On the bus at 7:30 to go to the border. A rough road which became unmade and full of potholes about halfway. Arrived at the border around 10:30. Quite chaotic. Took about half an hour to queue and get the stamps, then walk across the bridge. Said goodbye to PK, then met Beam -- our Thai guide on the other side. Took a cattle truck 10 minutes to the train station. Visited an ATM and a 7-Eleven to get lunch -- fresh orange juice and an ice cream. Boarded a luxury public bus which left for Bangkok about one o'clock. Arrived shortly after five, and transferred to the hotel in taxis. Changed rooms to get a king-size bed, then the group went around the corner for a lovely Thai restaurant tea. Paid 250 Baht or about eight dollars for two scrummy meals and drinks.


Walked to the Bangkok night markets for an hour or so, and turned in. All of a sudden things are back to normal. The roads are great. Drive on the left. Motorists stay on their side of the road, and stop at traffic lights. They only use the horn for danger, and pedestrians wait for cars before crossing. People only smoke outside, and food stalls have some semblance of hygienic storage and handling. Train tickets were waiting for us at the hotel. All there, and only one mistake for me to rectify. Fresh milk in coffee instead of condensed. Rogue taxi drivers.