Election Results
Greetings from Bangkok.
Well, I got about 12 votes for biking North Thailand and about 4 for touring Vietnam. But the prize goes to Margo who asked why I couldn't have both. I never thought of asking that obvious question. So, can I? Working things out on the calendar says that, if I don't pop down to Malaysia, and if I skip Angkor Wat in Cambodia, yes indeedy, I can do both! So I hopped on an optimistically named "sleeper" train to Bangkok, got here this morning (Friday), got a thirty day Visa extension relatively hassle free (in one of the most amazing Thailand bureaucracy scenes I have witnessed) and have applied for a Vietnam visa. It will be ready next Thursday. Friday I'll hit Chiang Mai and start rounding up a bike and supplies. Thanks Margo - a free big Chang for you.
For the curious, here's a great site on North Thailand biking: http://www.gt-rider.com/
I'm smiling. All is good. Oh yeah, and I've got a hotel room here in Bangkok with both a bathtub and swimming pool - first time for either so far on the trip.
Cheers...
...Byron