It was a hectic day, got back from the office, packed my stuff in the last minute as always and did not have any proper plan as to what I will be carrying or infact what kind of clothes I need. I just dig into the wardrobe and dump 2 shirts, 1 jeans, 2 T-shirts and 2 3/4th’s as that was all I could find. But I had made a mental note to carry my tripod stand which occupied 1/4th of my backpack. My entire packing was done in 30 mins and I was all set to depart to catch the 1.30 AM flight to Bangkok, My mother was sitting in the hall and watching me pack my stuff. I could sense her current frame of mind, she doesn’t like me travelling, but at the same time she does not want to start an argument when I am leaving as she knows it will not make any difference. In spite of it she still manages to watch tamil soap opera serials on the television and turns her attention towards me when there is an advertisement played in between. I bid goodbye to her and my friend is waiting for me downstairs to drop me till makhri circle and from there I will take an airport shuttle (no taxi as I am travelling on a awfully low budget). I reach airport by 9 and still had lot of time. I sit at an empty couch next to coffeeday with a cup of cappuccino and start thinking if my acts are really crazy, if this tour to 4 countries in such short duration and budget is really doable. But I encourage myself telling I will give the best shot and if not able to do it I am not going to loose anything, but still I can sense a bit of apprehension in my stomach for different reasons, like should I stop spending on travelling? Am I suppose to save my complete earnings for an uncertain future,..etc (empty mind is devils workshop) and when I start thinking deeper I realize these fears are something that is enforced by the society and not the ones that I have, I can think about it but not feel it, yes I need to save money and I have saved enough to take care of me and my family for 2 years (a good duration to hunt a new job or start something new) and I have insured for my mother’s health (I am true believer of the quote “any penny remaining in your bank account after your death is the additional work you have done for no reason”), hence the ambiguity is taken care of. The next thought is if I keep on earning and saving my earnings for the future when am I going to lead my life? And I am sure life after marriage will not be the same as you always have someone answerable to, hence today is the right time to travel and see the world.
When these thoughts were drilling my common sense an unfamiliar face comes and introduces himself as singer Vijay Prakash and says he has worked with AR Rehman and has infact given one of the biggest hit song “hosanna” in 2011 and says he is a big fan of me and I am his role model and he wants to take a picture with me to put it in front of his studio….. ok I am kidding. When these thoughts were drilling my brains I see a familiar face and in a jiffy I realize its Vijay Prakash and I like this guy for the song “Om Shivham” he has sung in the movie “naan kadavul” and I am also surprised that none in the airport recognized him. I go to him and say I like his song Om Shivoham and he thanks me politely with utmost modesty and says he will talk to me once he collects the boarding pass. I was sure he would not come and talk to me again as there was no reason, but he did and patiently answered most of my stupid questions. I finally took a picture with him and he went to catch the flight to Singapore for “Maatran” audio release. My flight took off to Bangkok on time.
Bangkok – I am given z security in the airport
I have 50 rs in my wallet and I had decided to pull money from the ATM in the airport once I reach Bangkok and to my surprise there is no ATM in the airport until you cross the immigration!! The money exchange in the airport accepts credit card but unfortunately my credit card doesn’t work, I start to panic. I knew I could come out of the situation, but the fear is still there!! I come out with 2 plans, 1st approach the security and ask him to accompany me till the ATM to draw money with my debit card and second - ask someone in the airport to pay on my behalf and I will return it once the immigration is done and I always have my Samsung Galaxy note and Nikon 32100D to hold as collateral J. There were 3 security guards at the entrance and I explain my story to them. Two don’t agree but the third one gives a thought. He goes inside a cabin to talk to someone and comes back. I am followed by a security behind me till the ATM with strict instructions that I am suppose to follow the guard and not move away from him. Finally my debit card works and I come out of the airport by 10 am after the hectic immigration procedures. One hour bus ride in 556 with 5 km walk took me to Kha Son road, this is where you can find cheap hostels, dorms and backpackers around the world. I freshened up in the dorm I had booked which was value for money, a bunker bed, air condition and free WiFi is all you need. Most of the backpackers in the hostel were Europeans (mostly French), especially in their early 20’s, this is what I like in them, they start travelling at a very young age and get to see different cultures, people..etc. There were none who were going to Lao from my hostel. I took a long walk in Kho San road ( I didn’t like it) and went to Wat Phra Kaew Emerald Buddha temple in the evening, one of the 100 wonders of the world ( and my 7th) which was impressive. The nights in Kao san road are amazing, with lot of restaurants the serve almost every possible cusine in the world, thai foot massage, fish massage, shops selling printed and digital T-shirts, crowded tourists across the globe taking a stroll and the best being the kids of 12 to 15 dance in the middle of the road at midnight, which is a true delight in itself.
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