I have something funny to share...Do you have too?

[umbanda]

In more than 3 years in Thailand, I had so many funny or absurd things happening to me, and I believe that every tourist or expat probably had too.

I am curious to know about yours, just for fun...

One of the situations I smile every time I remember, I called "Lost in translation..or what?"

In December 4, 2011 I travel to Loei from Chiang Mai for a weekend in my way to BK, and a friend advice me to get the bus ticket from Loei to BK at soon I arrive there, because was a holiday coming, and buses may be full.

Well..I did. After arriving in Loei I walk to the first office showing a BK destination with a VIP bus service. With a 68 years old body, I pi 10 times a day, and I need a bus with toilette. I do not speak Thai, but I tried to check if that particular VIP bus had a toilette, and I asked the lady at the counter about.... because will be an overnight ride and I was also looking for a good sleep.

Was not easy..she probably knows 3 words in English, but the word toilette she understood, and she was very happy in sell a ticket to me. She said something to a person standing close, and that person translated to me. She said " You are lucky, you got the LAST seat, and with toilette! "

Well..I was really happy for follow my friend advise. I got the LAST available seat to BK on an overnight VIP bus!

Two nights later I was there again, waiting for the VIP bus, and I saw a just painted very old bus parking in front of the office with a VIP and BK sign....the only one at that time...but not many people around it. Was really a "classic"..and I asked about. Yes...was my VIP bus.

The bus attendant called passenger to board in loud voice, and I show in first place....because..I was the ONLY passenger boarding the bus...and the attendant shows me my seat...the LAST one on that row.....just by the toilette door.

Was early..and I waited for more passenger to come..but not..I was the ONLY ONE passenger on the bus, and seated on the LAST seat.

The bus was a museum piece from the 50's and my seat was small and hard...with fixed or broken back. The only thing related with a VIP ride were the free water and cookies I got, 2 small TV hanging over the walkway, and.... the "personal" service. The attendant kept seated by my side all night with a big box of cookies, watching TV with all lights ON...To get a good sleep was just a "dream"..

Finally...I arrived in BK in need of a full restoration....like the bus.