Something to Break Up the Journey

Over the time I have been here, I have learnt that any journey can be transformed from the mundane to, well, something to blog about, if you keep your eyes open rather than surrender to sleep. Just looking at the coaches that trundle past is an interesting enough activity. You're probably worrying now that I have become some sort of geeky coach-spotter, complete with tea cosy bobble hat, trousers pulled up to my chest and ever-present notebook to scribble down number plates and coach types. Fear not, the reason is not quite so tragic. Tour buses and coaches in Thailand are often covered in colourful Manga-style artwork, each one unique. Often in garish pinks, blues, oranges, reds and greens, in a multitude of different designs, they're certainly more interesting than your standard white bus with a single coloured line across it or the name of the coach company stencilled at the front and sides. I'm not sure why they do this, probably because it's hard to miss them, but it makes a welcome distraction from the monotony of a long journey.

Another source of interest on the roads, which can keep a bored passenger occupied for hours, is spotting the often frightening road safety violations. The most shocking I have seen recently was a pick-up truck racing down the highway. The speed at which it was tearing up the road was cause enough for concern, but what was more shocking was the presence of three children, all under twelve, standing up in the bed of the truck, holding onto the top of the cab. Sudden braking or a quick turn and they would be sent flying, not to think of the consequences of any sort of accident. I've mentioned other dangerous, yet worryingly commonplace, sightings on the road in previous blogs but they never fail to amaze me. Families of five, plus pets, all squashed together on one scooter, usually all helmet-less. Dogs are often plonked in the basket at the front of scooters but I did once see a small child getting blasted by the wind in a front basket. Babies are often held under the arms, squished in between driver and passenger at the back or, if it is a particularly full scooter, even held above someone's head.

Driving in Thailand is certainly an experience. More fun but also significantly more frightening. I can't say I'll miss fearing for my life several times in a single journey but it does make for some interesting journeys.