Journal entry by Al Negstad — 33 minutes ago
The trip from Bangkok to Ayutthaya requires at least two modes of transportation. The majority of the trip is on a mini-bus, 18 passenger Toyota vans, which are not scheduled but depart when the bus is full. The depot from which they leave is some distance from the guest house so another mode of transport is required. For many years the minibuses left from the Democracy Monument. The Skytrain (elevated rail) has stops near the Guesthouse and the Monument. That trip was second nature to me; walk a couple of blocks from the Guesthouse to the train, board, make one transfer and get off at the monument. Then it was a couple of blocks to the minibus. Three years ago I did that and when I arrived at the usual minibus stop none were to be found. After a number of futile inquiries, my lack of facility in Thai was a problem, I was directed to the northern bus terminal. There, with a bit of searching, I found the minibuses.
Today I followed the new regimen which involves a taxi from the guesthouse. When I walked out into the bus yard not a minibus was to be seen. Advancing a bit farther I saw some in the distance but when I asked for one to Ayutthaya they said "the other side" and pointed toward the terminal building. Finding an information desk I asked for the Ayutthaya minibus. The attendant said "over" and pointed to the freeway in front of the terminal. There I saw multiple lanes of traffic and on and off ramps but no pedestrian crossing. A taxi that had just offloaded took me there for a dollar. In Asia there is no central ticket booth. Each city has a ticket window and there were four ticket buildings from which to choose. Missing on the first try I was directed to the proper building which confronted me with 12 ticket counters. Finding the proper counter I ordered two tickets, I get one for my luggage because the ticket is only $2., but, I couldn't pay at the counter I had to pay the driver.
So the bus system did another change up on me. Why can't they tell me when they move the place of departure? 😉 The upside is that the new minibus depot is accessible by Skytrain. This new depot looks quite permanent so I hope it stays put. Just another little adventure but I successfully arrived in Ayutthaya and will begin teaching tomorrow.
Blessings
Al
Pictures: The Bangkok Christian Guesthouse and the bus depot.
Today I followed the new regimen which involves a taxi from the guesthouse. When I walked out into the bus yard not a minibus was to be seen. Advancing a bit farther I saw some in the distance but when I asked for one to Ayutthaya they said "the other side" and pointed toward the terminal building. Finding an information desk I asked for the Ayutthaya minibus. The attendant said "over" and pointed to the freeway in front of the terminal. There I saw multiple lanes of traffic and on and off ramps but no pedestrian crossing. A taxi that had just offloaded took me there for a dollar. In Asia there is no central ticket booth. Each city has a ticket window and there were four ticket buildings from which to choose. Missing on the first try I was directed to the proper building which confronted me with 12 ticket counters. Finding the proper counter I ordered two tickets, I get one for my luggage because the ticket is only $2., but, I couldn't pay at the counter I had to pay the driver.
So the bus system did another change up on me. Why can't they tell me when they move the place of departure? 😉 The upside is that the new minibus depot is accessible by Skytrain. This new depot looks quite permanent so I hope it stays put. Just another little adventure but I successfully arrived in Ayutthaya and will begin teaching tomorrow.
Blessings
Al
Pictures: The Bangkok Christian Guesthouse and the bus depot.
No comments:
Post a Comment