There is something about sleeper trains, I don't known what it is but I sleep like a log. Despite the noise and the movement, the constant stops. I woke at around 6.30 with the sun streaming through the lower berth window as we wound our way slowly through the jungles and mountains of Northern Thailand. It was a beautiful day, as I laid in the bunk I reflected on how lucky I was to be taking such a long and varied trip. Very lucky. The countryside was stunning. Mountains, jungle, paddy fields and the quaint pretty stations that looked like something from 'The Railway Children' albeit on a different continent.
The train had left Bangkok slightly late at 7.50. I was travelling on one of the newer trains. They are very similar to the old fashioned British trains, the ones with compartments but have curtains rather than doors. I had chosen a lower berth as there is slightly more room to stretch out. I was right at the front end of then train and had the whole compartment to myself. Although I quite like the camaraderie of a full train this was quite nice too. Ordering a beer I watched through the window as we stopped and started at the small stations. Slowly making our way out of the metropolis into the countryside. I was tired. My sleep pattens are still not back to normal. At around 10.00 1 made up my bed, closed the curtain on the world and went to sleep. For the first time in 10 days I slept well.
No breakfast, memories of the cold chips, sweating cheese and limp salad flooded back. I ordered a coffee. I guess railway food and drink the world over is the same. Bad quality and overpriced. The Beer was a third more than it was in a Bangkok bar and the coffee was nearly £1. Lukewarm and bitter. Hey Ho.
Next stop, Chiang Mai......
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