Fourth day. The tourist trap.

25/09/2018:

Still to yesterday: the Germans thought it was good that I didn't choose India as my first destination. It is a poor country full of people. Many people. And it's dirty everywhere. It stinks. It is chaotic. In contrast, Thailand is very organized and clean. Otherwise, India would have killed my travel desire. It was the dirty hotel room that made me doubt for a few minutes.

At this point, however, I can say that traveling is fun. Mostly. Showering and brushing teeth is not that great. Often only cold showers or even worse, very hot. There is no real storage space for clothes and other things. Yesterday, a plastic bag had to serve as protection, which somewhat fulfilled its function. My gums no longer like manual toothbrushing as much, I miss my electric one. There is no toilet paper in the toilets. So, every evening I experience disadvantages for a while, otherwise it's great during the day!

Today we went to Wat Pho Temple for just under 3 euros entrance fee. Afterwards, we were supposed to go to the Grand Palace (Temple). However, it would have cost over 13 euros and was overcrowded. I decided against it.

Then a supposed teacher intercepted me. The tourist trap begins. Tomorrow there will be a free performance by students, he said I should come. In the end, he wanted to arrange a Tuk Tuk ride for THB 70 (about 2 euros). I declined and continued walking. The guy in the Tuk Tuk followed me on the side of the road. In the end, he actually managed to lure me with THB 30. We discussed my destinations. First destination: Golden Buddha. Under restoration. You couldn't really see anything. Just over a euro entrance fee. The Tuk Tuk guy waited outside for me for the next destination. RAM fashion. I didn't want a suit. He praised the advantages and I could take a look. I considered whether I should just escape through the narrow alleys behind when I was at the Golden Buddha. After much back and forth, I decided to go back. He hurried to the toilet. Another man sitting there spoke to me and praised ram fashion and the suits at the end. Coincidence? Probably not. All planned. When we arrived at ram fashion: They wanted to sell me tailored suits. I repeated over and over again that I didn't need one, even if they sent it to Germany. Not even for 50 euros in total. Annoyed, he said goodbye to me.

The next destination was the Tourist Office. I was advised on further options for my trip and they made an offer until the end of October for over 1000 euros. But I don't want all that! I prefer to plan everything myself. Nothing all-inclusive. I go to the sights with public transport. More complicated but cheaper. And on foot, you see so much more! Hardly any tourist sees that! There is a reason why I am often surrounded by locals, as I don't just go to the hotspots. In the end, she gave me her card, we said goodbye with dignity and friendliness.

The Tuk Tuk guy changed the route to another travel agency. I went in. She asked me what I was interested in. Actually, I didn't want to come here, but I couldn't say that now. I asked about excursions. She put a book on the table. I flipped through it. After a while, I said that nothing appealed to me. She took the book and said 'Then goodbye'.

The Tuk Tuk guy asked me again how it was. I tried to make it sound good and said that they were unfriendly and not helpful. He drove me to the final destination, another small temple. I walked through it briefly, but it was rather boring. In the end, he didn't ask for any money for the ride. Reason: no idea.

I walked to Khao San Road near the hostel. I found a new tank top at the second stall. Here too, they tried to sell me suits. I replied that I had bought one at ram fashion. He immediately knew that I had been brought there by Tuk Tuk. So, it is actually a known scam. And it was a licensed Tuk Tuk.
After a meal, I considered treating myself well.
Just under seven euros for 30 minutes of Thai massage and 30 minutes of foot massage. Can afford it once in a while. I always have a little fear that someone might steal my things, even though my backpack was next to me. But everything went well.
Relaxed, I made my way to the Golden Mountain. 344 steps. For me, only half, I always take two at a time. I'll stay here until it gets dark. A colorful light show ends my tour for the day. On the way, I got some fried chicken bites on a stick and ate them while having a conversation with the German I met yesterday. We talked and I said goodbye to her. She might also go to Australia next year. We exchanged numbers. Maybe we will see each other there next year?