Good morning. Today is checkout day. I woke up at 10:30, hurried to take a shower. My hair was a complete mess. Through the curtains I could sense someone already packing. Embarrassed, I went outside and said Hi. The other person was half-smiling, but I couldn’t smile properly because I was too embarrassed.
I actually wanted to start by asking "Where are you from?" But I used being in a hurry as an excuse and ran away. I wish I had pushed myself a little more. Just a bit more. If I had, I might have been able to talk to them.
But it’s okay. These things happen. Maybe my social battery wasn’t fully charged, or maybe I just need time to get used to the new environment. If I don’t give up, there will be another chance. Keep moving forward.
Khao man gai and the extra step of TikTok editing
I was about ten minutes over, but I checked out safely. Then I ordered khao man gai for delivery and ate it.
Lately I’ve been shooting TikToks with the Osmo Pocket, so I first import them to my computer, save them to my iPhone via AirDrop, then edit and post. It’s a bit of a hassle, but I enjoy it. That fuss leads to a sense of accomplishment. I post every day. I think this is exactly the process economy.
A new hostel and a traveler’s anxiety
By the time I finished editing it was nearly 3 PM. I rode my bike to the new hostel with a backpack weighing over 18 kg. At 18 kg, even riding a bike is pretty tough. After checking in and entering the room, no one was there.
After a little while, someone came into the room. They seemed to have the wrong room, so I showed them the way and eventually guided them to ask reception.
Living in a hostel means sharing the same space with strangers. When you think about it, it’s kind of scary. Worries flash through your mind: is my luggage okay, will it be safe at night? Not being able to relax where you sleep is really hard.
I thought maybe I should switch to a hotel. But the encounters you get in hostels are immeasurable. Right now I’m just mentally tired, maybe more sensitive, or just not yet used to the environment. Once I get used to it, it’ll be fine. People usually manage most things by getting used to them. So I’ll just get used to it.
Roast duck by the riverside and the taste of Thailand
For dinner I went to a local restaurant that looked like it had great khao man gai. It was about a ten-minute taxi ride. The place was by the river and had a lot of reviews, so I figured it would be delicious and went to try it.
It had a truly local vibe, with a few foreigners and locals here and there. I ordered a rice set with roast duck and fried pork. It was incredibly tasty. I finished it quickly and was still hungry, so I added a noodle set. Both were delicious. It really felt like authentic Thai food.
Encounter with a Thai tea specialty shop
While doing a quick scout for tomorrow’s plans and walking near the station, I found a Thai tea specialty shop.
I’ve loved Thai tea for a long time and it’s something I always want to drink when I come to Thailand. A specialty shop made me really excited.
The menu had eight varieties, from light to full-bodied. I chose the strongest tea. When I tried it, it was completely different from the usual Thai tea. It had bitterness and at the same time a deep flavor. It was very delicious. With zero sugar it was a bit too bitter, so I thought around 50% sweetness might be just right.
Walking through Bangkok at night while listening to jazz
Lately I’ve been into jazz. Walking through Bangkok at night while listening to Art Tatum or Paul Mauriat is a really relaxing time for me.
Near the hostel I found a Starbucks open until midnight. It’s a place I’ve used before. There I drank hot tea while writing in my journal and doing a little work.
Sometimes I think it’s nice to sit still and read a book. When you’re traveling you tend to feel like you have to do something, but simply sitting and drinking tea may also be important. Thinking about that, my fourth day in Bangkok quietly came to an end.
