Back to Bangkok

Awaking early, we cleaned, blogged and packed for our return to Bangkok. We were ahead of schedule and had a full 30 min wait before our ride was scheduled to pick us up, so we decided to indulge on our free American Breakfast. Not so. Immediately after finding a place to sit between motorbikes, our driver showed up. We left our final remaining Riel to tip the hotel staff and were on our way ... or so we thought. We were dropped off at a pickup spot packed with travelers heading to Thailand. When the place could hold no more, we were corralled to a large bus and then just before getting on we were directed into a waiting cab. We picked up one other passenger at an upscale looking hotel (no motorbikes in dining room) and at last we were back on the road.

Two hours later we arrived at the border. The process back to Thailand was much easier and faster than when we crossed into Cambodia, and we found ourselves an hour ahead of schedule. We passed the time at a small restaurant between the two borders watching people pull their carts back and forth in front of the casinos. Sitting outside, we ordered a light meal and had a delightful visit with the young lady that rode with us in the cab from Siem Reap. Julie was returning to Bangkok where she currently lives with her family. Being an ex-flight attendant, she spoke Thai, Hindi and nearly perfect English with only a slight Indian accent which grew noticeably thicker as she spoke to her Indian friends and family over the phone. Julie was a charming young lady and talk flowed easily on a variety of topics. Once in Bangkok she directed us to the proper train, instructed us where to get off and even paid our fare. Our meeting was truly one of those serendipitous connections to remind us that even people halfway across the world can share the common bond of humanity and goodwill.

We found our hotel with little effort, had chicken teriyaki and a corn pie at McDonalds and had an early night's sleep after a long day of travel.