Day 6 - complicated

After yesterday, when we were only allowed to enter our room at 01:00, then had to take a shower and drank a bit too much cola before going to bed, our eyes didn't close until 03:00. Today was our last day in Bangkok. We checked out and first booked the crossing to Koh Tao and then accommodation. We have to go from the hostel to the bus station, then 8 hours south to the ferry terminal in Chumphon, from where it takes another 5 hours by ferry to Koh Tao. Since when the journey is longer than two hours, Kurz's need for supplies kicks in, we go to the nearest supermarket and buy some snacks. On the way there, we pass another stand where free food is being distributed. This time we are kindly asked to take something, so we can't say no (plus we were really hungry and it was self-service). It was rice with vegetables - sounds unspectacular, but it was very tasty (8/10 - 0.00€).

Afterwards, we go to the hostel lobby and rest a bit from the half-hour outing. Then we go to the supermarket again, withdraw money and buy ice cream and cola. Back to the hostel lobby to recover from the 15-minute excursion.

We make our way to the bus stop and find the right bus without any additional help - Forget what they say about not recommending taking the bus in Bangkok because it's too complicated. Armed with our luggage, we get off at the main station, but to reach the hall, we have to go through a tunnel secured with a metal detector door. The device naturally goes off when we pass through with our backpacks, but the officer doesn't even look at us and waves us on. 'I somehow don't understand the concept,' I think.

Arriving in the hall, we realize that we didn't think about the fact that all the Thais who came for the coronation also have to go home. It's packed and half of the people present are either lying or sitting on the floor because there are no more seats available. The queues in front of the ticket counters are 20-30 meters long and in the hall, as can be expected, the King's speech is being broadcast live on a big screen. The meeting point for the bus is a cafe on a raised platform in the building - we wait there. Jonna gets something to eat, Alex watches over the luggage - he can handle it!

The tour guide comes and calls the group together, asks for the booking tickets and gives us a sticker to stick on and a ticket in return! 'Don't lose the Ticket or Sticker!!!' Just hearing the words 'Don't lose' makes me break out in a sweat: 'I'll do my very best,' I quote James from Dinner for One in my mind. The gentleman leads us to our bus - very nice, modern, quiet, top condition. We load the luggage and find seats. Jonna gets comfortable immediately with a blanket, sleep mask, and reclined seat, ready to drift to dreamland. On the other hand, I seem to have forgotten how to sit. I slide back and forth on my seat like a 9-year-old with a desperate need to pee, trying to find a somewhat comfortable position - but I can't.

At 11:15 pm, the bus suddenly stops - '40 minute break!' you can hear it calling. I leave the bus with a few other fellow travelers and I'm the only one who decides to skip a snack at the so-called 'rest area'.

As I walk, it feels like I just slipped on the ice and fell on my butt - can you bruise your tailbone while sitting? Jonna joins me, we stroll around a bit and enjoy the pleasant night air (26°). I step on a thumb-sized cockroach, which continues to scamper away as if nothing had happened - impressive little creatures. 10 minutes earlier than planned, the bus driver asks us to get back on board and we continue our journey. When looking at the map, I have the feeling that something is not right with the arrival times we were given.

- Alex