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Day 4
Wed 24.4.13
Bangkok-Chiang Mai
Five hours late the train arrived in Bangkok. Never mind. Plenty of time to think things over like, should I write to the king and make suggestions of how to stop people polluting this beautiful country. Mid morning I walked the length of the train to visit the restaurant car. Personnel were cleaning up after the breakfast session and used the open window as their garbage deposal unit. Even large cardboard boxes disappeared through the opening. I was sort of stunned that I was seeing this. Early afternoon the train arrived into the terminal station of Bangkok. More pollution to follow. All the trains are diesel driven and have small diesel generators hanging under the train. These generators most likely operate the air-conditioning system on board. The exhaust gasses hang around under the large awning and stifle the air. As I had only a few hours to kill I deposited my back pack at the Left Luggage area and went for a walk. The heat was oppressive with sweat running off my face. I found some relief in the middle of a nearby roundabout with a large working fountain. Finding a place to have something to eat is never a problem as just like Vietnamese people they set up little eating places everywhere, including on the footpaths. Choice enough, I always figure that as long as things are deep fried, it is safe to eat.
The train to Chiang Mai was ready and waiting when I returned to the station. While waiting on the black polished marble platform some music started to play which turned out to be the National anthem as everyone rose to their feet. The kings portrait is displayed everywhere in every office, shop and wherever you go there are billboards displaying his image. It is the longest serving king in the world I have been told. Hope it works for them. So after one day in Thailand what is there to report?
Well there are more Thai restaurants than you can poke a stick at that is number one. Thus far I have not spotted even one Siamese cat (after all Thailand was called Siam) also I have not seen any Siamese twins either.
Finally the train to Chiang Mai left at 7.30pm only 10 minutes late. The track to Chaing Mai is in need of a fair bit of maintenance as walking through the train was almost impossible as at that time my feet were close to moving off the floor. It would not surprise me if this train derails from time to time.
The staff on the train was obviously on commission as they kept on asking if I wanted food/drink at regular intervals. Indeed when I asked, it was the case. Again the beds were made up by personnel and the movement of the train did the rest to send me off to sleep
Wed 24.4.13
Bangkok-Chiang Mai
Five hours late the train arrived in Bangkok. Never mind. Plenty of time to think things over like, should I write to the king and make suggestions of how to stop people polluting this beautiful country. Mid morning I walked the length of the train to visit the restaurant car. Personnel were cleaning up after the breakfast session and used the open window as their garbage deposal unit. Even large cardboard boxes disappeared through the opening. I was sort of stunned that I was seeing this. Early afternoon the train arrived into the terminal station of Bangkok. More pollution to follow. All the trains are diesel driven and have small diesel generators hanging under the train. These generators most likely operate the air-conditioning system on board. The exhaust gasses hang around under the large awning and stifle the air. As I had only a few hours to kill I deposited my back pack at the Left Luggage area and went for a walk. The heat was oppressive with sweat running off my face. I found some relief in the middle of a nearby roundabout with a large working fountain. Finding a place to have something to eat is never a problem as just like Vietnamese people they set up little eating places everywhere, including on the footpaths. Choice enough, I always figure that as long as things are deep fried, it is safe to eat.
The train to Chiang Mai was ready and waiting when I returned to the station. While waiting on the black polished marble platform some music started to play which turned out to be the National anthem as everyone rose to their feet. The kings portrait is displayed everywhere in every office, shop and wherever you go there are billboards displaying his image. It is the longest serving king in the world I have been told. Hope it works for them. So after one day in Thailand what is there to report?
Well there are more Thai restaurants than you can poke a stick at that is number one. Thus far I have not spotted even one Siamese cat (after all Thailand was called Siam) also I have not seen any Siamese twins either.
Finally the train to Chiang Mai left at 7.30pm only 10 minutes late. The track to Chaing Mai is in need of a fair bit of maintenance as walking through the train was almost impossible as at that time my feet were close to moving off the floor. It would not surprise me if this train derails from time to time.
The staff on the train was obviously on commission as they kept on asking if I wanted food/drink at regular intervals. Indeed when I asked, it was the case. Again the beds were made up by personnel and the movement of the train did the rest to send me off to sleep
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