Sharing one special encounter I had.
Jacinth dropped me off at Walking Street for some shopping on my own. However, due to the rain, many stalls were closed, leaving only less than half running their stalls. I was done with shopping in about 20 minutes.
On this night, Chiangmai brought out the adventurer in me.
I decided to head over to Na Mor (Chiangmai Uni street) for more shopping... which was quite a distance away. I've never taken a public transport on my own in Chiangmai despite it being my fourth time here in Chiangmai. So I walked out of Walking Street and spotted an ideal person to ask for directions - TRAFFIC POLICE. Haha, good idea right?
Told him that I wanna get to Na Mor and asked him where to board a bus. Yes. I don't even know where to board a bus, or how the bus or the bus-stop even look like! Jacinth msg me telling me it's a "Red bus". The traffic police didn't understand what "red bus" was and so I quickly google translated using my phone running low on battery. Phew! The traffic police got it right away. He helped me to flag a few red vehicles (the red bus) but none wanted me as their passenger bcos i was alone and i was going somewhere far. Decided to try tuktuk aka taxi instead and i was only offered high prices.
In the midst of getting a tuktuk, I came across many nice thai drivers who talked to me and eventually managed to find a tuktuk driver who was willing to get me to Na Mor even though they were not the ones driving me. It was nice chatting with them. I guess my permed hair kinda confused them a little. Haha! They wondered where was I from. Their kindness and helpfulness warmed my heart. Thai people are seriously such nice people. :')
The driver whom they found for me was willing to drive me to Na Mor but at 250 baht. A little expensive. I asked if he could lower the price to 200 baht but he said no because "Na Mor very far" and we had to cross a gantry that required extra payment. So I told him I'll think about it... Hmm... Not too long after, I went to ask him once more and this time round I told him "I am student...." and he said "OK!" Haha! Such a kind and nice man! Hopped onto his tuktuk and I started a conversation with him. He was very friendly and open to share about his life with me. He told me about his daughter (who's one year younger than me), family, job etc. His limited English and my limited Thai were as though no barrier at all. As I alighted and walked into Na Mor, for the 2 times that I turned back to see if he had driven off, he was still there, watching me go and waving goodbye to me - like how a father would probably watch his daughter slowly disappear into the crowd. A very fatherly and kind uncle driver. I may never meet him again but I will always remember his big heart and our conversations. This might not have been a dramatic or impressive story but it is a very special memory i'd keep
Loong Song, Khobkhunkha (Uncle Song, thank-you)
To more adventures,
Bella