Morning at Don Mueang Airport
October 9, greetings from Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. Yesterday, I went there to welcome someone who had written to me from overseas saying, “I want to travel with you.” I could hardly believe it at first, but there she was, flying all the way to Bangkok to join this journey.
This morning, however, I woke up with discomfort spreading through my body. I could feel the effect of the vaccines from the day before beginning to take hold. My arm was heavy, and my energy drained before the day even started. A difficult day was about to begin. Still, there was no time to hesitate. I left the hotel and prepared myself for what lay ahead.
The Beginning of a Journey Together
And so, the two-person journey began. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t truly a cycling journey yet, because we still needed to buy a bicycle for my new travel companion. But in spirit, the road had opened in a new direction. For the first time, I was no longer traveling alone. That fresh sense of possibility gave me strength, even while my body protested.
The first plan for the day was simple: return to the guesthouse, then head out to buy the bicycle. But before any of that, we needed food.
I ordered a plate of rice with shrimp for 60 baht (about 267 yen). Perhaps because the airport was nearby, the price felt slightly higher than usual. Still, the serving was large and satisfying, and the taste more than worth it. A small joy to start a heavy day.
On the Way to the City
After breakfast, we boarded a bus bound for central Bangkok. By now, I had grown used to riding these buses. Each one had its quirks—different seats, different routes, and often, different little discoveries.
Today’s discovery came in the form of a T-shirt. On board, I noticed someone wearing a “Nekozilla” shirt—a playful design inspired by Godzilla but with a cat. Later I learned it was a popular trend in Thailand. At that moment, I regretted not asking where to buy one. Little things like that are what make travel so lively and unexpected.
When the bus reached the city, we switched to the train. It was my first time experiencing Thailand’s trains. At the ticket office, we bought a card, tapped it at the gate, and stepped inside. The station was surprisingly wide and open. Soon, we boarded and headed toward Ekkamai Station.
The Struggle with My Health
By the time we arrived, my condition had already worsened. The fatigue from the vaccines left me weak, and every step felt heavier. My body was screaming for rest.
We stopped at a café called Mixue, a chain that originated in China, famous for ice cream and iced tea. I ordered a kiwi tea, which turned out to be refreshing beyond expectations. For its price, it was delicious, with small fruit bits at the bottom that gave it a texture similar to tapioca.
Still, no drink could erase the exhaustion. I admitted defeat and decided to head back to the guesthouse as quickly as possible.
Rest at the Guesthouse
When we finally arrived, I was struck by how clean and pleasant the guesthouse was. Yet I barely had time to notice before collapsing into bed. Sleep came instantly.
That moment was the hardest of the day. If there is one lesson I learned, it is this: after vaccinations, the best place to be is home, resting quietly. Pushing yourself to move too soon will only make things worse.
I slept for about four hours, and when I finally awoke, the hunger returned. I stepped outside into the evening. A light rain had fallen, leaving the streets shining. Reflections of streetlights shimmered on the wet pavement, creating a strangely peaceful atmosphere.
Dinner on a Rainy Evening
Following the scent of food, I arrived at a street stall serving noodle soup. For 50 baht (about 223 yen), you could choose the type of noodles you wanted. It was almost like creating your own dish.
After waiting about ten minutes, the bowl was served. The soup was delicious—warm and rich, a comfort after such a difficult day. There were even yellow, crunchy snack-like toppings, though for me they didn’t add much to the taste. Still, I was grateful for the meal.
