We made it to Ko Samet, an island a couple hours east of Bangkok after two long travel days. The bus across the border was consuming and there was a split second where we thought the bus (and all our belongings) had continued on without us.
Our arrival at the Ubon bus terminal was marked by overzealous “tourist aids” clamoring to point us wherever we needed to be. We bussed downtown and I ate a sweet cinnamon-y noodle soup and an avocado pudding topped with coconut foam.
A (somewhat forgettable) museum filled the afternoon. The highlight was the banana and pineapple smoothie I scooped from a street vendor.
The “gold” bus to Rayong left at 6:45 pm and was decked out… it really felt more like a luxury flight than an overnight bus. Electric seats with retractable foot rests and built in massage whirred into reclined positions as the attendant served us chilled water and a chicken and rice meal (including a side of squid flavored crispy green peas). Louise watched an in-bus movie on the private screen in front of her and I started plowing through a new book: The Power of Habit. Oddly enough this bus wasn’t significantly more expensive than the others we’ve taken.
The bus dropped us in Rayong at 6 am and we wandered, dad, until we found a cafe willing to call us a cab. A ferry and short wagon ride later we were checked into Ao Nuan guesthouse at nearly half price (!!!) The bungalow overlooks the ocean and features two secluded beaches within a 5 minute stroll. I ate some bad food for lunch but this didn’t undermine how phenomenal it felt to de-crust in the sun after a week of dirt bagging.
Louise had bought a flight to return to France from Thailand but has since changed her mind. I understand the mental turmoil… despite the incredible experiences I’ve had since graduation I think in the future I’ll look back on this period thinking “….jeesh.” The habits book gave me some great ideas for Freducation and inspired me to really outline a routine for when my life returns to normalcy.
Drink to make this summer: two inches peeled ginger root, ice, water, lime juice. Blend into refreshing smoothie (possibly with booze?)
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