After writing for 20 minutes, computer crashed. Here we go again...
In Bangkok(BKK), Thailand. After crossing the Friedship Bridge, Thai-Laos borders cross, the beauty and the kindness of ppl I talk to is still impressive. Hot and humid weather, Thailand has been a little preparation for what's to come - India
My agent, Nok, emailed me warning that I could not buy a one-way ticket to Bangladesh, so i had to run to BKK to work on a solution.
Crossing the bridge, gave me my last 5 minutes w/ my companion for the past 4 days - The Mekong River:
The first Europena to encounter the Mekong was the Portuguese antonio de Faria in 1540. European interest was sporadic: the Spaniards and Portuguese mounted some missionary and trade expeditions, while the Dutch led an expedition up the river as far as Vientiane in 1641-42.
The French took a serious interest in the region in the mid-19th century, capturing saigon, from Vietnamese invaders, in 1861, and establishing a protectorate over Cambodia in 1863.
Already in the other side, Nong Khai city, I headed to Udon Thani, where I would find the best temple I had slept so far - couch, fan, closed area, and a fridge filled w/ mineral and soda water, a true VIP temple 'till then.
Got some food at the traditional market, cheap and delicious. Went to bed early, once I had a long ride the next day - 120km to Khon Khaen.
With a few pit stops to throw a bucket of water over myself, I finally arrived. Aware I had to be in BKK ASAP to take care of my next step, flying to Dhaka, I decided to use my rest time to try to hitchhike my way 'till Khorat, another 160 + km from where I was.
Ti(a navy officer) and his wife, Noi(a nurse) were heading to BKK...yessss; no need to say where did I stop.
Later in BKK, I decided to fly to Kolkata, India, and back track to Bangladesh by bicycle.
With an couple days extra to take care of my ticket and contact my insurance about the stolen bag, I enjoyed my afternoos with friends I met before the ride in Thailand: Nok, Aillie, Ema, Uri and Alex - great ppl.
Said bye to Aillie, on her way to England, Ema to Zimbabwe, Uri and Alex to Spain(c y guys there).
On my way to the airport I wish you all the best, and please keep on checking on my journey, I can use some extra boost from you all.
