Sunday night

Nothing is as you expect, so don't expect. I am also learning not to ask since if you ask the answer is usually yes. I got to the minibus stop at 9:45 and waited until the van came. I had asked if it was an express bus, which she had said, yes of course. We were got to the south terminal and the bus had more dents that flat space, I figured it might just be the local. There was a driver and a young woman with a long can similar to the one that woman on the boat taxi had had. There was also a young man running around shouting the name of our destination and herding people into the bus. I knew we would be heading south and tried to remember which side would get the most sun and selected the right side. There also appeared to be more natives sitting on that side. We left the station and were traveling about jogging speed. I had a general idea that my destination was about 130-150 miles. I began to wonder if I would miss my plane on Thurs. Then I thought about just being aware and attentive when we stopped for a squat break. I thought I was lost since I thought we just left the station.. this was far short of half way. In honor of the trip squatters, I joined the line. Glad I did, that was the stop on the trip. We continued at about 25-30 miles an hour, stopping by the side of the road to pick up folks. Many were carrying lunch that gave an order of begin prepared last week. I had my nuts and water but was fearful of the water. I looked out the window as long as I could and then when the sun came around to my side in a bus already 88 degrees with the "air" on... I thought the best thing to do was try to go to sleep. I woke up a few times when we actually got rolling about 50.. people got on and got off and the woman with the coin deal walked up and down and more of the same until about 3 o'clock when she said.. HauHin... I could not guess where I was since I thought we would stop at the bus station rather the side of the highway.
This is a very different town... it is larger than ChiangDao but much smaller than Chiangmai. Since it is on the sea there is a breeze and the evening is very pleasant. I stopped at a realtor whom I guessed would speak English and he did and told me where I was and where he thought I was going. I also think he knew that anyone that he would really want to talk to would be at the Hilton or private beach house etc. When I went to check in, the girl did not think I had a reserved room...after some time and calls yes I did and it was on the top floor (#4) and there is no elevator. I was leaving a puddle where I sat and got a Chung... she also could not make a copy of the passport so fortunately I had one to give. The room was ready and I took my soaking body to the 4th floor... I thought I had died and gone to heaven.. and extremely clean room with a terrific shower.. view patio.. tv and strong air. In addition.. no bar next door.. I am going to have a foot massage and an early to bed.. just to get a full nights sleep.
Needless to say, I stood in the shower and just let the strong consistent water run on my very stinky body.. it was a shower I will remember. After I cleaned up I took a walk to the famous train station and found that I must take a 5:20 train Tues am if I want to get to BK at any decent time and not spend the day on the train.. it is the rapid train and the next is the regular.. I think it is the speed of the bus.. ugh.
I walked to the beach.. great big long wide beach with lost of older Brits and Gr folk I am one of the younger folks here.. nice.. no drunken kids... well some drunken Gr. but they are usually in a pack and only one is a little done. I got some street food and decided to walk into the BIG fancy hotel. This is the kind of place that calls you to play lawn tennis, darts, read by the pool and listen to the music man playing in the court.. the trees are all trimmed to look like birds or dogs or something... and again there are many folks who have lead the good life.. and have lots of bling... (like Liz.. only gold)... well I fit right in .. I have the monk string which is now blue from my pants the other day.. and my spit up braiding, and my Buddha and elephant bracelet.. sneakers...socks (dirty white) and a corn hill fest shirt I wore to Yoga. I was very aware that an old scout leader told us.. you can do anything if you do it casually.. so I just strolled about and smiled .. it was a hoot. From there I had a chung and some roasted cashews and then walked to the pier where they were bringing in the fish.. great to see them toss the boxes and laugh at the end of the day... there was a great sunset and near the big boats, families fished for dinner.. just a night place.. now one paid attention to me.. I got some pineapple at the night market.. nothing to buy .. and now here fore it closes and I go for a massage. I am going to turn off the alarm in the am. I will do the best I can to get to silk place.. but I am not going to get a scooter.. could not locate a Vespa and the scooter traffic is still hairy. This is a small town.. easy.. layed back.. smells more like fresh air or the sea.. and it is cooler.. I could stay here a little longer.. bye for now...