Hello, hello how are we all doing? All is good in my little world here in Thailand. I've just got back into my Bangkok nest from a wonderful trip to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.
Without the 40 million overseas visitors that were anticipated here in 2020, life is tough for those in the tourism industry. I am trying to do my bit and get out and about, to see more of the country whilst things are quiet.
It is an amazing time to travel, there are some incredible deals for locals, thankfully! It's a good job too as unfortunately, I did something a bit dim!
Have you ever been on holiday without your purse? Yep, no money, no credit card, nothing! I don't recommend it unless you
A. want to lose weight or
B. want to update your LinkedIn profile with Born Survivor!
I'm on a quest to check out Thailand at the moment for the solo female traveller. We have a super safe country for female travel. I'm in the most popular demographic (over 50's) for solo travel. So I was all alone when I realised that my purse was in another handbag! Please tell me there are others out there who have done the same?! What did you do?
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| Here goes - time to pray to the travel gods! |
I am probably not going to get any sympathy from those of you who are still in lockdown ... It's so harsh looking at all the differences across the world and yet we are freely able to travel here in Thailand. I am sending much love to those who are not able to travel. Hello to you in Melbourne!
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| Be like a butterfly and fly anyway! |
What would you do?
1. Option One: Could I get home and return before departure?
I have been dropped off at the airport by our company driver, I call him back...
The sad thing is that I am normally Little Miss Completely Early for everything, three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. However, we are now becoming spoilt with domestic travel here in Thailand. With no international flights (well, only the occasional repatriation flight or cargo plane), flying domestically here in Thailand at the moment is a breeze. Every flight so far has taken off on time, I just rock up 45 mins before departure.
I had no time to get home and get my wallet
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| The cheery bright lanterns of Wat Inthakhin Saduemuang |
Option 2: With many flights to Chiang Mai, could I delay my flight to give me enough time to get home and get my wallet?
Answer: No. I have bought an Air Asia Unlimited Flight Pass which needs to be booked 3 weeks prior to take off. I am only allowed 3 no-shows before the pass becomes null and void. I am at one no-show already I couldn't risk another...
I have no option but to get on the flight and the clock is ticking!
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| Up, up and away with Air Asia |
Option 3: Will the Bangkok Bank Airport branch let me withdraw money from our bank account using my passport as ID?
No! It appears that as I am not the primary account holder they will not help. No time for a quick paddy, tantrum or sob, sob ... what to do, what to do?
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| It's only going to be window shopping for me in Chiang Mai |
Option 4: Can you speak to my husband and he will transfer some money to the Airport Bank and then you give it to me? Can you tell desperation is kicking in?!
Answer: No! Sorry, our bank protocol prohibits this...
Option 5: Can Bangkok Bank help me at all?
Answer: No!
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| My favourite temple in Chiang Mai - Wat Umong Matherachan |
Option 6: I ask the driver who by has just returned if he has any money?
I am sure this is breaking every company protocol myself, but luckily this is Thailand. Not only has he sweetly returned without a faff, he tells me he has the company parking kitty!
Answer: Yes! Bingo!
Having sweetly handed over all the dosh in his envelope and my purse now jangling with a whole load of coins. It feels like Christmas, and I set off for three days solo travel with a drum roll of 64 USD!
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| Northern Thai Textiles as found in the Lanna Folklife Museum |
Luckily if there is one country in the world where you can live quite cheaply it is Thailand! There are a whole load more tales to be told but luckily I survived (with the help of Mr Wren transferring the money directly to pay for the hotels!)
It was like Christmas when I checked into the first hotel and there was a free mini-bar! With all the excitement of a kid on an Easter Egg hunt I opened the door of the fridge to find one can of Coke, and a can of Sprite. Normally I would no sooner drink rat's pee, than these two drinks, but beggars can't be choosers!
For my next trick and re-energised I set off in search of every backpacker's dream dinner. A cheese toastie from 7-11, cost 35 Baht ($1.50 AUS) Not bad!
Post-sprite and toastie, I lay awake all night worrying. What if anything at all happened to me, or I was run over by a 10-year-old on a moped, yes this in Thailand? I would have no way to pay for any emergency. It was a sobering thought...
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| Coconut tree shadow on the road |
But then this IS Thailand and after all, nothing did happen to me. I had the most magical time. Phew!
I hope you have enjoyed some of the photos from my wanders! For more on my Thailand travels, please find me at littlewanderingwren.com
Comments
Oh wow, what a story. I would have been a nervous wreck. I am glad your driver was able to give you the cash. That was awesome.. Love the beautiful flower and the temple. Lovely sights. Take care, enjoy your day!
Lovely photos of your trip Wren. We are lucky in Western Australia because we are Covid free and our borders have been closed to all other States, so we can only travel within our State.
Your phone, pay with your phone and in tap and go...didn't think of that!
Your journey was interesting along with the photos.
Take care and it's good you can travel and see things without the tourists butting in..
Must had been an terrible situation.Glad it worked out
Beautiful photoes You are soo lucky travelling there!
Wish you a great weekend in the sun..Here the rain has started heavy, heavy like a wall of rain
'See you beautiful
Take care.
All the best Jan
Enjoy your week and stay safe... Cheers
Amalia
xo