Departure from Kanchanaburi

The day (January 27) was all about departing from Kanchanaburi. After breakfast, I returned my little yellow car that had taken me so wonderfully to Erawan National Park yesterday. During the last three trips to the breakfast spot and a quick market stroll, it had some starting problems, but it held up until the return of the rental ... I had filled up the car (at about €1 per liter of gasoline) and that was the only thing that the rental company was interested in upon return. I then rolled my clothes tightly again and everything fit with the necessary compression into the backpack. At noon sharp, I checked out of my hostel where I had spent the last three nights and asked if I could leave my backpack for a few more hours, as my bus wasn’t scheduled to leave until 6 PM. This was granted, and I positioned my luggage on a chair in the middle of the play area of the local staff’s children, although it was also close to the public street. A bit uneasy due to the public accessibility of my backpack, I took a little stroll through the city, observing the urban activity, visiting the Skywalk, and having a late lunch. The weather was warm, but not as oppressive as the last two days, and there was a gentle breeze. Time flew by while strolling... Without any issues, I picked up my luggage in the late afternoon, headed toward the river one last time, and enjoyed a final Chang in the almost sunset. Then I walked the last few meters to my bus terminal. I had planned a little time buffer of about 45 minutes. After searching a bit in the hustle and bustle of the bus operations, I quickly found my stop. I had to exchange my E-ticket at a counter due to some communication difficulties. I got a paper ticket and surprisingly, also a meal voucher. And off I went on the night bus, which would accommodate me on the way from Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai for the next 12 hours. I took my assigned double seat with enough legroom, there was a cozy blanket provided, and unexpectedly, I was also offered water and cookies in a compartment with a total of six people. The bus started moving at 5:55 PM (5 minutes ahead of schedule). At 11:00 PM, we made a stop and then I realized why I should get the ticket with the meal voucher. There was a big collection point for many bus connections at a large kitchen with a great selection of warm meals; it was quite delicious and not planned at all. With a full belly, I went into the night under my cozy blanket. Next stop in the morning: Chiang Mai...