OXLAEYVacation in Vacation – Day 2 – Crossing from Malaysia into Thailand
Day 2… I got lost….
7 July
Today I crossed from Malaysia into Thailand. The lower boarder area of Thailand is predominately Muslim. There were multiple street blocks and armed soldiers in unfriendly black uniforms stationed at certain bends in the road closer to Yala. There has been unrest in the Muslim community and back 10 – 15 years ago there were a few bombings, thus the military tactics. The scenery along the boarder is great. Rolling tropical hills, the clouds nestled in the valleys, green everywhere – no palm oil plantations.
As usual, I didn’t have a plan of where to sleep. I usually just go with the flow and see what there when I’m tired of cycling. Today I feel confirmed again in my ways. I arrived at a small town about 5 pm. There were some police there and I asked about hotels. No hotels but one said there was a waterfall where I could camp. I bought some food from the Muslim night market and set off. Turns out it is a national park. When I pulled in and asked if I could camp, the lady asked if I wanted a room. 100 baht or the price of 4 coca-colas. Sure! The place is grand. It is a traditional old wooden house built up on stilts. Quickly, another lady, who I assume works and lives also at the park, rolled out fresh sheets in one of the rooms. It is divine. Just like I prefer to stay. Simple. Close to the locals. And the police station is right next door. All found because I asked and didn’t overplan things before.
