Morning in a Forest Guesthouse
November 7 began in a quiet forest guesthouse. My room was compact but comfortable, the kind of space where the mind naturally slows down and finds peace. After days on the road, it felt like a gift—a chance to breathe, to recharge, to feel held by the quiet of nature.
The house itself was remarkable. It wasn’t just a building; it was the dream of its owners brought to life. The man and his wife, originally from Scotland, had built this place with their own hands. On their land, six or seven small handmade houses stood scattered like a hidden village. Each was unique, crafted with care, radiating warmth and imagination.
Looking around, I felt a surge of excitement. It reminded me of my days in Japan, when I had once thought, “Someday, I’d like to live in an environment like this.” Now, here I was, standing in the very picture of that dream. It was hard to leave such a space, but the road was calling.
Farewell to a Warm Host
As I packed my belongings, I tried to calm my racing thoughts and focus on the journey ahead. When it came time to leave, the owner walked with me to the main road. The path outside the guesthouse was filled with dogs, and he wanted to make sure I could start safely.
His kindness struck me deeply. Though I had only stayed for a short while, his warmth left a lasting mark. It wasn’t just about hospitality—it was the way he cared, the way he quietly guided me to the road, as if to say, “Travel well.”
A Fried Surprise on the Road
Soon after, I stopped by a roadside stall to buy what I thought was fried chicken. But when I bit into it, the flavor surprised me. Instead of savory meat, it tasted sweet—almost like banana. At first, I felt a sense of disappointment, as I had been craving something hearty. But the taste grew on me, and for just 10 baht (about 45 yen), it was delicious in its own way.
Travel often brings these small surprises—moments when expectations fall short but are replaced by something unexpectedly delightful.
A Stranger’s Encouragement
As I continued cycling, a man selling lottery tickets suddenly sprinted toward me. I braced myself, unsure of what he wanted. But instead of trying to sell me anything, he simply looked at me and said, “Ganbare”—“Do your best.”
His effort to run all that way, just to share a few words of encouragement, touched me deeply. It reminded me how powerful a small gesture can be. I called back to him in my heart: “Thank you. And good luck with your business, too.”
Conversations by the Roadside
Not long after, I came across construction workers busy with a project. They waved me over, and I stopped to chat. Curious, I asked what they were building. One of them grinned and replied, “A cannabis shop.”
He spoke with pride, explaining how it was part of his dream, part of his youth. Behind him, I noticed long sticks used for smoking, and it made sense. What stayed with me wasn’t just the shop, but his passion. Wherever you are in the world, people with dreams shine the same way.
Lunch, Patience, and Flavor
By midday, my stomach was growling. I stopped at another food stall to eat. The wait was longer than expected, and for a moment I wondered if they had forgotten my order. But soon, a steaming dish arrived, freshly prepared with care.
Meals like this—made slowly, with thought—have never disappointed me in Thailand. Each bite was worth the wait.
But as I ate, I glanced outside. Dark rainclouds gathered above, heavy and threatening. My route went in the opposite direction, but the clouds seemed to be moving the same way I was. I had no choice—I needed to keep ahead of them.
Racing Against the Rain
With just five kilometers left, I thought I had escaped the storm. Feeling a little more relaxed, I stopped at an outdoor café for a short break. But as I sipped my drink, I noticed the rainclouds spreading into my path again.
My heart sank—yet luck was on my side. I pushed forward and reached the Cozy Rabbit Hotel just before the skies opened up. The hotel’s logo, ironically, featured a rabbit that was anything but “cozy” or cute. Still, the welcome was warm.
Small Gestures, Big Comforts
The staff noticed my bicycle and kindly moved me to a room where I could keep it inside. It was a small detail, but it meant the world to me. My room was spacious enough to stretch out and rest, exactly what I needed after 80 kilometers of cycling.
Later, when I mentioned my name—Hiro—the staff smiled and said, “Then this room is perfect for you.” The thoughtfulness behind even this simple gesture made me feel seen.
Though the hotel carried an average Google rating of just 3.5, I couldn’t understand why. For me, every part of the experience had been positive.
Dinner with a Twist
Following the staff’s recommendation, I visited a food stall nearby. One dish caught my eye: catfish curry rice. Curious, I ordered it.
The taste of catfish was unfamiliar, but the curry was flavorful—though spicier than I expected. Since arriving in southern Thailand, I had noticed the flavors here are much hotter, more intense than in the north. It was a challenge, but also part of the adventure.
