Leaving Bangkok’s bustle for the quieter north of Tak
The lovely hotel staff at Oakwood Tiwanon, Bangkok
Route: Bangkok to Tak
Distance: 425km
Time: 6hrs
Thoughts: Traffic gradually lessened and roads became more pleasant to ride on
I had a very hearty send off by the hotel staff in Bangkok. After staying here for three days, I became quite a familiar face. I think the hotel staff were all very amused by my antics. I’m not sure what it is but these issues trail me wherever, in particular, almost every hotel room I’ve stayed in had issues with the light bulbs not working! Why?! I constantly have to request, hotel after hotel, to replace it.
In this hotel, the door latch wasn’t working either, so Looknam, the bubbly receptionist who took very good care of me, sorted my situation out with deft patience. Then I locked myself out of my room—not once but twice—and the bellboy had to bail me out. By the time I asked him about parking rules and whether I could park on the side of the road, if the traffic police would summon me, he couldn’t contain his giggle! His whole body was wracking in giggles even though he tried so hard not to show it.
Overall, the hotel staff seemed to be enjoying their work. It speaks of a healthy work culture with good management. I think they must be taking good care of their staff. I sense initiative in their work. In particular, Looknam was very responsive and went above and beyond what I normally expect from hotel staff. I’m not sure if it’s just her personality or if she was trained in it, but she had a skill way above natural communication, to address issues in a very effective yet authentic manner. I thoroughly enjoyed her company. Today I’m smiling just thinking about her. And then I remember the kind and gentle eyes of her manager and the giggles of the bellboy. And that is enough to bring a smile to my face.
I rode with happy spirits to Tak and ended off the day with a huge meal of mookata—the ever famous Thai BBQ. Of course, eating mookata is always a lively gathering where everyone comes together to share a meal, but to experience the real stuff in Thailand was very eye opening for me. Instead of eating it with people though, I got to watch others come together and laugh at the BBQ table, as I enjoyed a quiet evening grilling by myself.