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by hingus2000
Sun Setting on our time in Thailand. As we cross into Malaysia at the border.
Thailand is an absolutely stunning country. The cities, the landscapes, and the people - all amazing. It is with great sadness that we have to leave. However, it appears it doesn't want us to go!
We were up at the crack of dawn this morning as our minibus to the Thai border town of Sungai Kolok was due to pick us up at 6.45am. Even accounting for the relaxed nature of Thai timekeeping it was apparant by 8am that it wasn't going to show up. A couple of hurried phone calls later results in us being transferred onto a bus to Penang - save hanging around for another 24 hours. Alternatively we could have taken the later bus to Sungai Kolok, however that would mean us not arriving until after the border closes. As the deep south of Thailand has been subject to some violent troubles over recent years (1500 people killed in the last 12 months, although not directly targetting tourists) we though it was probably not the best place to be hanging around in. Speaking to most people (tourists & locals) suggests that it isn't really unsafe for travellers, but still, better safe than sorry.
As they say, as one door closes, another one opens, so going to Penang gives us the chance to see a part of Malaysia we may not have visited otherwise. We will still go to the Perhentian islands (the reason for choosing the Sungai Kolok border crossing originally), so we are really only gaining a destination, and losing nothing.
I'd love to have some epic final thoughts about Thailand. But to be honest, reading the brilliant adventures we have had over our 7 weeks in the country should leave no final justification necessary. I'll be back and I'm sure Paul feels the same, and that should say it all really. Although having just thought of a killer line, I will give it a public airing: Thailand may not have loads of money, but it is rich beyond means.
Ok anyway, what better way to finish talking about this amazing country than highlight some of its more quirky factors? In no particular order, and no doubt I have forgotten several, here are a few things that I have noticed over the weeks:
Thai Rastafarians: Seen particularly in the south, eg on Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi etc. Not just Thai guys with dreadlocks, these guys look completely authentic and if you saw them elsewhere you would assume instantly they were Jamaican.
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Bangkok Taxi Drivers: Never have I known taxi drivers so openly refuse fairs. Even laugh at you for having the cheek to suggest locations! You usualyl have to flag down 3/4/5 taxis before one will consider putting a fair on a meter!
Bangkok Taxis: Whats with the colours? Is there an explination why the brightest pinks, greens, yellows and purples are needed? Probably not, but it looks class, as does the way they all seem to compete to see who has the biggest spoiler and exhaust.
VIP Buses: Painted like fairground rides and covered in a stupid amount of neon LEDs. Who needs red break lights when a mini strobe and disco lights will do!?
Minibus travel: Never assume the minibus you are on currently is the last until you reach your destination. After a few weeks you learn that you will inevitably do a relay from travel agent to travel agent, swapping buses constantly!
Coach/Lorry/All Drivers wearing flip flops: Surely would never be allowed elsewhere, virtually everyone on the road drives with flip flops on.
Traffic Light Countdowns: To be fair elsewhere in the world too, but still a curious sight coming from the Uk. Digital signs that countdown how long is left until the light turns green or red. So with 3 seconds left of red everyone starts creeping forward, and 3 seconds left of green everyone starts gunning it through the lights. Safer or not, its a really interesting thought.
Nerd section in shopping malls: Yes, the top floor is always reserved completely for comic/figurine shops and arcades and populated by hundreds of spotty kids trading pokemon cards or playing warhammer.
Fake DVDs: Everywhere has them, Thailand doesn't care about showing them! Didnt see a legit DVD the whole time I was there, but every, even respectable outlet seems to sell and show the latest pirate films.
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There are so many more I just can't think of right now, but perhaps most noticeable from all our time in Thailand is the friendliness of the people. Therefore, as we crossed the border a few minutes ago, it is the people as much as the places I remembered, and will continue remember.