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My crossing back into Thailand was evidential that geographical proximity bears no neccesary reference to cultual similarities, as the shock I received, was apparent:

-- Border crossing: Huay Xai Laos to Chiang Khong Thailand --

In the morning, we stamped out of Huay Xai and went across the river to Chiang Khong; the border on the Thai side. The friendly immigration official on the other side stamped our re-entry visas and arranged for two motorbikes to carry us free of charge to the bus station. The buses were all full and so we purchased tickets on the local bus to Chiang Mai. Seven hour journeys have become a thing of normality and we were happy to board the bus. What we did find bizarre however, was the reverse culture shock we were experiencing. After a whole month in Laos, Thailand (a developing country) suddenly seemed.... developed, orderly and industrialised. Jeez. Shops, roads, houses, banks..

Thailand; round two

Asha Patel
2006-08-23 10:40:55

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that it wouldn't be difficult given the low season. We were wrong. An hour later, fatigued, hot, sweaty and silent, we hadn't found anywhere that resembled a clean, safe environment to sleep in. At that point, if someone had offered me the Marriott, I would've taken it, at any cost. Fortunately, we were guided by a friendly tourist to an excellent place just off soi rambuttri, and, checking in, we collapsed, face down into our beds and were knocked unconscious for the next two hours. I was first to wake, realising that we had much to do and little time. Showers and breakfast did not ease the fatigue nor our painful muscles, still sore from kickboxing. This of course did not hinder our plans to visit the Chatachuk weekend market, of course not. With full intentions to simply 'look' at the market stalls, we returned home, ten bags each in hand, sore feet and painful muscles. The vast, sprawling maze of stalls at Chatachuk lures 20,000 shoppers every weekend and, is retail heaven for those who enjoy shopping which is not at the expense of a plastic card. We went for a reflexology foot massage to ease the pains that we'd claimed from kickboxing endeavours. Have someone dig their strong, bony fingers deep into your bruised body for an hour and you will begin to appreciate the vigour of a Thai massage. Ouch, is all I can say. That evening, we met Olga, a 60year old, youthful, free and fun loving traveller who invited us to dinner. We obliged. She took us to meet her friend, an Australian who now lectures in Bangkok, and it was the most surreal dinner - an amazing feast of fresh seafood (prawns, crab, fish) in a backstreet local outlet, whilst engaging in interesting politcal debate with a couple of middle aged Westerners! We ate seafood and drank beer until stuffed silly. Arriving back at the guesthouse, the German lads were still up can make lazing look graceful. sigh.and so I joined them a while for chatter... Actually, in my time in Bangkok, ...