Believe it or not, it's all that we can give.

So, the fear never came. Nothing on the plane, nothing on landing other than excitement. Getting here was much more difficult than actually being here, even with those protests being just down the street.

 

Speaking of those, I had no idea I was even in the middle of them the first time I came across them. I just picked a direction from the hostel and suddenly I was in a sea of Thai people, merchandize and food stalls. I thought it was a celebration, but one of the women that works at the hostel told me it was the protests everyone warned me about.

 

Let me just say, it is really weird being one of the only Westerners in thousands of Thai people. It is humbling, I guess. And not bad, just something I have never experienced before. Most people ignore me, some smile back, and some try to get me to ride their motorcycle. At least I think that is what those gestures mean. They have bands playing and people giving speeches, and though I can't understand a word the noise of a however many whistles being blown at once and clappers is not a noise I'll forget. This is going to be part of their history, and I'm actually glad I came here at this time to experience it.

 

The hostel I'm staying at is fantastic. I thought about staying on or near Khao San road, the backpacker's road, and I'm glad I found this one. There is a night food stall market across the street that I and a girl I met at the hostel went to last night. I walk the streets around the hostel, and it feels like I really am in Bangkok. Khao San feels like it could be in any city in the world. The nightlife is impressive, but you can get that in any major city. The hustlers there are annoying, with some just not leaving you alone. I learned quickly just to say I've been here a while and that I already have everything booked, even if that's a lie.

 

I should feel bad at spending this evening back in my hostel, laying in bed, but I am so sore from all the walking the past few days. Relaxing in the ac feels nice.

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