Farewell and a Fresh Start
This morning began with a heartfelt farewell. The owners of the guesthouse, who had treated me with such kindness, stood at the doorway smiling as I prepared to leave. Their warmth stayed with me as I mounted my bike and pointed it toward Surat Thani, a larger city that would be todayās destination.
The sky was clear, the air gentle, and my spirit was high. It felt like the perfect day to ride. But before the journey truly began, there was one important ritual: breakfast.
Breakfast with Kindness
A small street stall caught my eye, and the woman running it welcomed me with a smile that could lift anyoneās morning. She recommended a local dish, and I trusted her instantly. The food arrived hot and fragrant, filled with flavors that seemed to both ground and energize me.
It wasnāt just about filling my stomachāit was about receiving a piece of local kindness. That warmth lingered as I pedaled on, grateful for her generosity and the way strangers can brighten the road.
The Road to Surat Thani
With about 30 kilometers left, I reminded myself of my own mental tricks. Distances above 30 or 40 kilometers feel endless, but once the number dips into the twenties, I can almost taste arrival. āJust one more hour,ā I told myself, āand it will be single digits.ā
Still, I avoided looking at the numbers too often. Fixating on the distance only steals joy. Instead, I focused on the rhythm of pedaling, the breeze brushing my face, and the promise of what lay ahead.
A Chance Encounter
Around the 20-kilometer mark, I stopped at a small shop that felt more like a roadside convenience stand. A cheerful young man greeted me, curious about my travels. We chatted about my journey, and before long, we were exchanging contacts.
What surprised me most was learning he had more than ten thousand followers online. Yet when I asked how, he simply shrugged: āIām just an ordinary person.ā In Southeast Asia, Iāve noticed this happens oftenāpeople leading seemingly simple lives, yet carrying unexpected influence. Encounters like these remind me how varied and unpredictable the world can be.
Signs of the City
As I pressed forward, monuments began appearing along the roadsideāstone figures, decorative gates, and artistic landmarks. To me, these always signal that a city is near. They felt like subtle whispers, saying, āYouāre almost there.ā
Finally, Surat Thani welcomed me with open arms, and I turned toward my lodging for the night: a hostel called My Place.
Arrival at My Place Hostel
The hostel stretched four floors high, but without an elevator, hauling my six bags up to the top felt like climbing a small mountain. By the time I reached the fourth floor, I was drenched in sweat, but the sight of the room revived me.
For just 200 baht (about 9 dollars), the space was more than I expectedāspacious, clean, and surprisingly cool, thanks to a ceiling fan that worked better than I imagined. Outside, there was even a dedicated space for bicycles. The owner explained that more cyclists had begun passing through recently, so they added parking for bikes. I admired thatālistening to travelersā needs and updating the hostel little by little.
Exploring the City
After a refreshing shower, I set out to see the city. Surat Thani lies along a river, and the scenery reflects that flowāwide waters, bridges, and life unfolding along the banks.
This time, I finally visited a temple. Normally, I avoid them while cycling because many are home to aggressive stray dogs. But on foot, I could walk in safely. The temple architecture amazed meāintricate carvings, bold colors, and quiet corners I usually miss when speeding by on two wheels.
Taking time to wander slowly through the city reminded me why rest days are essential. Itās not just about recoveringāitās about noticing what I usually overlook.
An Artistic Surprise
Walking eastward, I saw a sign: āFrom here, you will see an artistic street.ā Curiosity pulled me forward.
Soon, I was surrounded by walls painted with playful imagesādogs, bright patterns, and whimsical designs. Street art has a way of pulling you in, of making you walk farther than you intended. And yet, when I looked beyond the murals, I also saw real-life momentsāstreets that looked beautiful in their imperfection, sometimes vibrant, sometimes lonely.
It struck me how both sidesāthe art and the realityāheld their own beauty.
Food, Friends, and Laughter
Hunger eventually led me to a small yakitori stall. For 20 baht (less than a dollar), I bought a skewer. It turned out to be mostly chicken skin, but the crisp bite made me laugh at how simple street food can be.
As I ate, fate surprised me againāI ran into another cyclist I had met earlier at the beach. Our reunion felt like a gift. Together, we explored the street markets, stopped by a quirky bar where a figure of the Joker sat at the entrance, and shared stories of our respective journeys.
He was older than me, yet still traveling by bicycle. Watching him, I felt a deep hope: that I, too, could keep moving forward, in whatever form, for many years to come.
Nightfall in Surat Thani
Even after parting ways, I didnāt want the night to end. I returned to the market, now glowing under lights. The energy was different from the dayālivelier, more vibrant, yet just as inviting.
As I walked through the night streets, surrounded by food stalls and music, I realized how full the day had been. Kindness in the morning, chance meetings on the road, laughter with a fellow traveler, and the quiet beauty of exploring slowly.
Surat Thani had given me more than I expected, and I knew tomorrowāanother rest dayāwould bring its own joys.
