I rolled into Bangkok last night tired but amped because our new adventure had finally begun. In the past 24 hours I had been in 3 countries, on 2 planes, 2 buses, and hauled 27 kilos of luggage along the way. Eventually I came to the realization that I hadn’t planned much farther beyond simply getting to Thailand. The rest of the crew doesn’t get here until tomorrow, so what the hell am I supposed to be doing? The moment passed and I quickly regained my sense of purpose. Let’s just relax for the night, have a quiet meal, and start searching for essential items tomorrow.

The area of town surrounding our hostel is like a post-apocalyptic tourist trap from a sci-fi flick. Aggressive street vendors line the sidewalks with covered carts, packs of motorcycle taxi driver’s beckon as you walk past, in the distance groups of hot girls linger at the near by bus stop. Oops…..I’m sorry….Quick! Avert your eyes…. Those are lady boys, and no, I DON’T know what you’re talking about..I wasn’t looking at you sweetheart, I was looking at that sweet old lady behind you. Smile at the old lady. She has something in her hand. GOD DAMNIT! It’s an advertisement for thai hookers. Good one granny! I’ll just keep walking…

Just like how I know that Times Square isn’t really the heart of New York, I know that this isn’t what Thailand’s about. I do appreciate it for what it is though, a jumping off point, some place to regroup and collect ourselves before the inevitable journey into Thailand’s true heart begins.