Vientianne to Pakxan

Hi Guys,
I am writing again before I leave Vientianne because I don't know when I can access an internet cafe again. I have been told that it'll be tough from now on . I have been advised not to cycle north to Luang Prabang as the route can be dangerous as I am alone so I'll be going east to Pakxan some 160 km away. There are no towns in between so, looks like I have to make that in a day, otherwise I'll have to look for a temple or something like that.
Earlier, I said that a railway line runs in the middle of the 'Friendship Bridge' but was told it is still not being used as there are no railway trains in Laos. That is for the future.
Vientianne as not as organised as cities in Thailand. There's a lot of rubbish around and things are not well kept. I see a lot of uniformed men around at street corners and the streets and buildings. They don't seem to be doing anything important. I don't know what they are paid for.
At the shopping centre, 'Capital', that I had my mutton curry, the air conditioning is so bad that it is as if there's no air conditioning at all. Anyway I went there again, for my b'fast (coffee and egg-tuna sandwich) and lunch ( rice and chicken curry). Thai Baht can be used but since I ran out of them I had to widthraw from the ATM. and you know what, I drew 1,000,000 Kip. which I think is about RM400/-. I am a multi-millionaire here.
There are quite a number of 'whites' around. Some are tourists and some have married the locals and I guess settled here.
I had a bad dream during a nap this afternoon. That really shook me and made me really stressed physically and mentally. Well, I am only 1/3 of my journey, I must stay strong and focused, and thinking of you guys, keeps me going.
Thanks Jimbo, Tey and others who left comments and my friend Datuk Johan Jaaffar who never fail to lift my spirits up and Din at 'Warung Rus", Minister Of Youth and Sports, and Adun Edward, the Local MP, for the encouragements, and to all who are following my progress. Hassan, you are still there ? Till next time. Love and regards.
Adnan

Laos and.........

Hi Guys,
Sorry for being quiet for quite a while- sometimes I don't have access to a cafe. Left Udon Thani early 6.00 am local time which is 7.00am Malaysian time (already bright). As usual the route is easy and straight and flat but this time 8 km out on the h'way, on 2 occasions I was chased by dogs. The first, a mid- sized dog that chased me for 70 meters before it lost steam and the second time, 2 dogs chased me for almost 100 meters before giving up. I wasn't in any real danger really, because dogs cannot bite you, while running. Good thing I had power in the legs as they actually kept pace for the distance. This Olympic fever has also got to the dogs eh. I also had a small snake crossing my path - missed it by inches. Much of the route had petty traders selling their wares, barbeque chickens, coconut water and many other things. No wonder, I don't see RnRs like we see on our H'ways. There are also no toll booths.
I made two stops and as the journey to Nong Khai was only 55 km I had plenty of time. I came across a farm that uses solar panels instead of the usual plastic coverings. I haven't seen that back home. At 9.00 I stopped for b'fast at a stall run by a mid- aged lady and chatted with some others. Many ladies run businesses on their own as their husbands have left them and the children. They are nonetheless very enterprising, and one I met, says that she is still hoping to find another husband, and she has waited 16 yrs. She is still hopeful, though. One of them actually joined me for dinner that evening in Nong Khai with her 16 yr old daughter. I've become eligible in Thailand. Talking to farmers, and simple people keeps my mind off the tough journey ahead.
Udon Thani also has a lake like Khon Kaen, though smaller, and I managed to see part of of it and met some young cyclists there. They also have bicycles for rent which we don't have at our gardens. The cycling and jogging track is very well managed and the landscape beautiful.
Nong Khai is smaller than Udon Thani and is rather quiet, with most places closed by 8.00pm. Even the riverside cafes are not well patronised. You can see the Friendship Bridge and its lights at night.
I left Nong Khai at 9.00 after a light b'fast, cycled across the 'Bridge' after clearing immigration and said goodbye to Thailand. The bridge is slightly more than 1 km long and it is unique in that the railway line actually acts as a divider to the two-way traffic. After crossing I cleared immigration on the Laos side and proceeded to Vientianne.
Do you know that in Laos they drive on the 'wrong' side of the road? Yes they drive on the right. (Am I confusing you, he,he) One has to get used to that. They do the same in Vietnam, I am told. The highway to Vientianne is similar to that in Thailand, except that they are not well managed. The motorcycle and bicycle lane is strewn with debris and laterite and are dangerous. The only consolation is, there is little traffic. I am now staying at a small hotel but the room is clean and has all the luxuries like aircon, satelite TV, hot shower and the usual trappings. I' d probably stay an extra day to plan my route . Incidently, the guy manning the reception is a student in Nilai college, who is back for a short vacation and his family runs the hotel. Small world. In Laos the currency is the Kip. I changed 1000 baht into Kip and I got more than 260,000 kips but I paid 35,000 kips for a plate of rice, mutton curry and a drink. It reminds me of Indonesia. For the first time in nearly a month I had curry (Indian) at a food court in a shopping complex. Tomorrow I'll try the chicken briyani.
Thanks Jimbo,Tey and berisman for your advice and comments. and to Don the Treks pannier is giving good service so far, and do you know, most people think that I had been cycling for years before doing this, and when I tell them that my first serious ride was for the new year to Cameron Highlands they knew that I had a screw loose somewhere - he,he.
To those who SMSed me please excuse me for not replying. Thank you very much, I really appreciate them, it's just that it will cost me RM2/- for each SMS. Thanks Shem (Mrs Foley)
One other thing I came across on the highway in Thailand is that it is also used by buffaloes. Yes, one occasion a few of them were crossing and the vehicles had to wait for then. You see there are no fences to keep them away as on our highways.
Well it is quite long this time. I can write more, but if you know how long I take to write this you'd feel sorry for me, typing using one finger at a time. Regards and take care.
Adnan

Khon Kaen to Udun Thani tomorrow?

Hi again,
I' m getting closer to the Laotian border and I don't know whether I should be happy or otherwise. I have had a nice experience in Thailand, despite the problems with things like communication and the regular food that I'm used to. It is always hard to get coffee and you can forget 'teh tarik', or nasi lemak. I get a lot of tom yam, tho'.
This morning I went on a sightseeing tour of Khon Kaen with my "guide" the bellboy from the hotel . It is his day off. There is a huge lake here that has a track all around it which is perfect for jogging or cycling, and it is very well kept. It is about 5 km around the lake with a restaurant and the local museum nearby. While there, a motorcycle race was going on at a small circuit and Petronas was well represented. There was also no lack of monuments all over the place. With a bicycle it is much easier to move around, except for the hot sun.
My camera is now 'kaput', so, unless I get a new one there will be no more pictures. I actually dropped the camera before reaching Hat Yai but it was still functioning, now, I m afraid it's gone.
The route I have taken so far had been rather flat and the scenery although beautiful is rather boring because in Thailand it is paddy fields and more paddy fields, even along the highways. Outside of Bangkok, the traffic is not as heavy as we find on Malaysian highways. I have also been lucky, that, so farI had good weather except for some drizzle on the way here, otherwise it was hot,hot,hot.
In the hotel room, except for the few channels that has English news all the movies are in Thai. It is interesting to see Sean Connery,Charlston Heston, Sophia Loren and all the Hollywood stars speaking Thai. Let's hope we in Malaysia don't follow suit.
The petrol price in Thailand is much higher than back home. It is 44 baht per litre for the premium grade and a little less for the others, but parking is free at most places except at the complexes and private car parks. However outside of Bangkok I don't see any jams.
I must confess that I am terribly homesick and missing the things that I usually do, like gardening, the workout at home or the gym and most of all my buddies at 'Warung Rus' in PJ Old Town, especially the regulars like Datuk Johan, Cikgu Mat, Din, Datuk Jaafar, JJ, Sam, Lee, Stanley's loud voice, Wak Sudin, Hj Kamaruddin, Agos, Rosli, Mejor, Alam, Alias, Oad and others - too many to mention and of course, Kamariah's cooking. To you guys, you are always in my thoughts, salam and take care. I guess that's all for now.
Regards and take care.
Adnan

In Khon Kaen on way to Laos.

Hi guys,
Sorry for being silent for some days. Sometimes I'm just too tired or the cyber cafes are not within reach.
Anyway nothing much to write about the ride itself. It's when I meet people that it becomes interesting.I had been lucky so far as there was no rain except for a slight drizzle yesterday and I managed to stay dry with some shelter along the way. The rains are always in the evenings after I stop riding. In Korat I met some interesting people. Here's some of them:
1. An Australian lady (Christian missionary) at a cafe during lunch. Joy Norrish, born in New Zealand (Owaka) South Island, grew up in Darwin, Australia. At 20, left home to go backpacking around Australia, then to England and worked as a barmaid there in a number of pubs. From there went to Europe in 1976, Holland, Spain then to Morocco, the Sahara and to Kenya and ended in Johannesburg. All this was done in 4 months and 4 days.
She went back to Darwin and became a born again Christian and started a Drop-In Centre. The centre provides snacks, coffee, board games and table-tennis and preach Christianity. The funds were provided by the church.She did this for six years.
Then she ran a backpackers joint with 5 rooms in a big rented house for 5 years. After that she became a ' foster mum' for indigenous children from alcoholic parents and sexual abuse families.There were other couples providing the same, but she's the only single person.
Ten years ago she packed up and came to Korat, Thailand, when a Pastor needed someone to teach English. She taught English for 6 months at St. Mary and gave up as she found it impossible. (according to her Thai children start learning English at 5 but when they graduate from University they still can't even construct a proper sentence). She blames the Thai Education system. She then joined the American Missionary with 3 other families.
The interesting thing is, she has no formal training as a missionary like those from the convent who are known as 'Sister.' The day I met her she was packing to go back to see her family back home. She has an elder sister and an elder brother in New Zealand and a younger sister in Australia, with her mother, who is 89. She's 58 going on 59 and she goes in and out of Thailand to renew her visa every 90 days - isn't that amazing? She stays in a rented room at an apartment and says that she has never been harassed.
2. Mr. Sun Thon (53) a physical education teacher who is also a cyclist and a member of the Cycling Union in Korat.
3. A Japanese, Mr Kenjiro Oka (61yrs) also a cyclist and a photographer from Osaka. Besides cycling, he is also into horse racing and a kayaking instructor in Nagano. He also mountain bikes and had a number of crashes showing the pictures through his laptop. (I should do the same in my next trip) He also sails and wind surf. He is now in Thailand covering the amateur road races from Bangkok to Chiangmai.
In Korat I must thank Miss Nipawan and her brother and Miss Malinee Inla for their kindness in showing me around and introducing me to Mr Pisit Mitrapanont, the bicycle shop owner who attended to my bike. They are all passionate about cycling.
In Thailand I miss the newspapers, as all are in Thai. At least in Bangkok I had the Bangkok Post. It is also difficult to get coffee or tea. Thais don't seem to drink them.
Thanks again to those who posted comments. You keep me company. That's all, till next time, take care.
Adnan

From Korat to........

Hi Guys,
It's me again, this time from Korat (Nakon Ratchashima) where the SEA games was held in December. Got here late yesterday and am really very tired, may stay here an extra day to look around. Nothing much to write about the cycling, the same boring routine but this time with some hills. It's better for me to write something about my observations of the things in Thai towns.
Transport in Cities and Towns as in all over the world are always getting a lot of attention because of its complexities. Some seem to run well while others are always plagued with problems - like in Malaysia. What I notice in Thailand is quite unique. There is the usual Express Buses that go long distances; then, there is the regular stage buses that go from one town to the other and back; in the towns you have the taxis that are comfortable and the tuk-tuks that are fast and cheap. But do you know, here, they also have taxis in the form of motorcycles, yes, motorcycles.They take you from one point to the other for a small fee and you ride pillion. They can be seen at various corner and locations in the town and they wear a distinct vest with name and number. That I think is a brilliant idea. It not only provide jobs, it is also convenient to beat the jams . I noticed a young girl getting down from a stage bus with her grandmother and putting the granny on a motorcycle, side saddle, to her next destination. Would you do that with your granny? Then you still see some of the trishaws still operating, using leg power. Travelling in Indonesia and Thailand I see that almost anybody is given a chance to earn a living in just about anyway they choose. Maybe we should do the same in Malaysia, then we won't have taxis refusing to use the meter or bus companies monopolising a given route. We may even get rid of the Mat Rempits.
While in the hotel room, idling away the time, I had the chance to watch some TV and I must say that I have never seen so much sports programs in one day than when I was here. In one day I saw Wimbeldon Tennis live and reruns of previous championships, The Formula One ; Moto GP; Motocross and Stunt motorcycle competitions; Cycling.races; Mountain bike races; Snowboarding; Skiers jumping of cliffs; Skydiving (Solo and Team competitions) Drifting that had a Malaysian driver; Formula BMW at Sepang ; Australian Surfing rescue comp.; NBA; Baseball; Beijing Olympic preparations; EURO 2008 British Premier League; Table tennis; US Open Golf .live plus two channels of Thai boxing. What I am trying to say is; with so much exposure, no wonder the Thais are far ahead in sports - back home we don't cover sports events widely even when we have an international event like the Ironman or the Marathon.
The cyclists in Thailand are a passionate lot and they have so many websites covering the sport.
I don't know if I am right, but I think Thailand have less obese people than Malaysia. So guys don't wait, put on your sports attire, shoes and hit the road, cycle, hike, run, jog, climb or just sweat it out whenever you can. Like they say, use it or lose it. When I get back we can do it together, ok?.
For those who left their comments, thank you very much,I really appreciate them; OP Kam, Chipah, Hassan and his Facebook group, honeystar, afflatus, Naped, Somchai,Ben OPRizal ,Hood and others. Till next time, take care, love you all .
Adnan

Bangkok to Saraburi

Hi Guys
I am now in Saraburi , 107km north of Bangkok. I left at 5.30am accompanied by a cyclist from the Thailand cycling club known as Oil (Oiltrips), a cross country cyclist, and following us in a vehicle were Mr Naped and Pitchrin Siribunwan. We cycled for about 15 km out of Bangkok before I was let out on my own. It was indeed a kind gesture and I really can't thank them enough. Cyclists from this club are indeed passionate about the sport and are always willing to assist other cyclists from outside.
The route to Saraburi is flat and wide but the traffic is heavy and as I have never ridden on a highway before it was indeed scary. The highway to Saraburi is very straight with 3 lanes on each side and alongside it is another road running parallel heading in the same direction. In other words there are 5 lanes on each side. There are no toll booths , so I assume it is free. The highway is definitely superior to our highways in my opinion, I wonder if Samy has been here.
I had a puncture 50 km out and that delayed me for some 25 minutes. It is tough really when you have to do it alone and in the hot sun.
I stopped for some food and drinks at the RnR about 30 km from Saraburi and was surprised to note that the place was not crowded like those on our highways.
I am now very tired and if I don't feel up to it I might spend an extra day here . My next destination is Korat. (Nakon Ratchasima) where the last SEA Games was held. Another cyclist is expected to meet me there. Isn't that nice. Another observation I made on the highway is that there were hardly any motorcyclists using it and of course I was the only cyclist the entire route.
I still receive many SMSes from well wishes from all over and I must say that it gives me real pleasure to know that I have friends everywhere now. Thank you all and maybe one day we may meet and share our experiences. Some tell me they are now thinking of buying a bicycle or taking it out from the store. Whatever you do, make sure it is safe. Don't do what I do, I only started serious cycling 6 months ago and there is actually a lot to learn especially how to ride safely. Malaysian towns and cities are not cyclist- friendly .Our city fathers need to change their priorities. Cycling is not only eco friendly but it is also a good form of exercise.
For your information my final destination is Beijing but you also need to know I still am without the China visa. China is now restricting visitors because of the Olympics. All are fully booked apparently. I just got to try when I get to the border. Wish me luck.
That's all for now. Till the next time - take care. Love you all.
Adnan

Bangkok ,then Saraburi

Hi guys, it's me again from Bangkok. For your info I have been to Bangkok many times before but it had always been on transit at the airport and even overnight on my way to the Himalayas the last several years. This time around
I am able to see and experience what being in Bangkok is really like. I am lucky to have the company of Mr Naped and Miss Patcharin to show me around. They are both cycling enthusiasts from Thailand cycling Club. The club has a website and that's how they managed to trace me.
Bangkok is 3-4 times the size of KL and is a bustling city. Traffic is a real problem although the city roads are wide. The taxi ride to the Malaysian embassy 7 km away from my Guest house took 1 hour and it was a big disappointment when I got there. I only managed to speak to the ladies manning the front desks who were Thais and not able to see any Malaysian officials as they were having a meeting. I was asked to come in the afternoon or wait.
That's the end of my experience with the Malaysian Embassy. I then went to the Malaysian Tourism office some 400 meters away At Liberty Square and again the front desk was manned by a Thai lady. At least I managed to see and speak to the Deputy Director , a young man En. Ahmad Zawawi Zakaria who helped me to activate my Maybank card. I was also served coffee. I had expected to see Puan Rubiah whom I was told is the Director, but unfortunately she had been posted to Phuket in March. Puan Rubiah was a student I taught in Rawang in the early seventies . She was a pretty and popular girl who was also a good sports person. It would have been nice to see her again after over 30 yrs.
While in Bangkok I also had a chance to cycle to the various tourist spots accompanied by Mr Naped. Although traffic is heavy cycling is possible as the motorists seem to give way to cyclists provided you give the correct and early signals. At some places it is possible to ride on the sidewalks.
Bangkok has many monuments and parks and they seem to be well kept. The King is much respected by the people and everywhere you could see portraits of the King prominently displayed. All around the square where the Palace is situated you could cycle or jog as there is a track that goes round the entire area which is at least 1 km on each side. At night the city is beautifully lighted.
I am leaving Bangkok in the morning at 5 am to escape the traffic and 1 or 2 cyclists will ride with me for some 20 to30 km out of Bangkok before I go on my own Isn't that nice?
I am quite well known now in Thailand because a few days ago I was featured in the local paper together with photographs in Chumphon with Mr Somchai. Not bad eh.
Once again I must thank all of you who SMSed me and those who posted comments on the blog with encouragements and well wishes. Just know that your thoughts are always with me.. Hassan,Che, Ferhad, Azean, James Suraya , Surinder A Coy, Kamal, Jia You n Liz ,Dave Gaik Hong , Wan Azlin, Roshan Halim, Aziz Ramaro, Gaik Hong, Mrs Viji n fly Fatguy druz Mohan, Bhoy Faizan RedI Kana Bresar Lawerence Nantakumar Xsoldier Ben, Christine eu.Club ,Malcom Hood, Jun-e, OPRizal, MM Hani Azmzn tajau Bakar, NaNa, Cha Cha, Noorbee. Kama, Nona, Ann nd the Adams, Jimbo Tey, Khoo, All the Facebook group and others too many to remember. Love you all, take care , till next time.
Adnan.

En Route to Bangkok

Hi, I'm heading towards Bangkok and should be there in 3 days. In Chumphon I met a cyclist who has been a great help, Mr Somchai Meesang. I rode with him to the beach and a fishing village 15 km from Chumphon. My next stop will be Prachap Khiri Khan then another 2 days to Bangkok. The name of the beach and fishing willage is Sa Ple 15 km from Chumphon. The beach is similar to those found in Terengganu and favorites of Kwai Lohs. It is off season now - not many tourists around .The fishermen are all Myanmar's (illegal) and everyone is struggling because of high fuel prices, Chumphon used to be hit by floods once or twice a year about 10 years ago but now it is free from floods because of a canal that runs through the area. The canal was constructed with funds given by the king. The king is like a God here.

Yesterday I received 75 smses from people that I know and others I don't know but I am really touched by the good wishes and support and encouragement given from all races , young and old. I thank you all, i really appreciate all the smses. That keeps me away from boredom.

Chumphon

I'm now in Chumphon, quite a modern town about the size of Klang. The place is not crowded and though the traffic system is a little confusing everything seems to move well, people don't drive like Malaysians, nobody seems to speed, and there are no Mat Rempits. In Hattyai there is hardly anybody cycling but I was told that there are recreational cyclists and they cycle outside the city.
In Chumphon there are more cyclists than Hattyai . I also did not see many 'Kwai Lohs' in Hattyai but there are many of them here because it is near to Phuket , Krabi, Phang Na, and seaside resorts around. I received many sms but do not know from who as their names don't appear on the phone so, if you want to sms me please include your name, your smses are very much appreciated, thank you for all the smses. Thats all for now.

Adnan.

Pattalung & Surat Thani

2.6.08

The route to Pattalung was flat and easy with good roads (Highway) but boring. Mostly Paddy fields and traffic lights. No cyclist along the way. Along the way I hit a hump and the camera dropped and it got dented . It's still working but the viewing screen is distorted.It's still working.

After Pattalung it also the same , easy and flat. In the east I see high mt range , some peaks as high as 2,000 meters. There seem to be a lot of paddy and young rubber planted. The scenery monotonous. Many people smsed me but can't reply 2 all, I m ok and thank you to all who smsed, I can only send sms maybe once a day to one person. I meet interesting people but communication is difficult otherwise all is fine. Riding alone , I can move when I like and people are willing to help, but u get lonesome as u cannot chat with anyone.

Adnan.

3.6.08

Somewhere after Surat Thani there seem to be a lot of Nira palms , smaller than d coconut and dark purple in colour They seem to be growing wild and not harvested I see some being sold in Hatyai. A round Khoapanombaek a lot oil palms are being grown. and east of Ban Ko Muk I see a ridge almost a replica of the Melawati Ridge in Ulu Kelang.

a little update

Hello,

My dad says he's about 80km from Surat Thani, he's quite bored & will be happy to receive any sms/words of encouragement from all his readers, he can be reached at +6012-6369227. Thats all for today, will post more when i get updates from him.

Aedewan Adnan.

Hatyai

1.6.08

Today i enter Thailand, left Changlun around 10.30 accompanied by 4 riders -2 Police personnels , a Plus staff and a bank officer who is an Old Putera, Sharizal (85-89) It's coincidental that an old putera 'Bandit" Azly saw me off from KL and another OP at Bukit Kayu Hitam. I am indeed grateful for the support from all. The ride to Hatyai is less than 60 km from the border but it was hot all the way. Made several stops along the way and met some interesting people. At one stop selling coconut water the guys were so impressed that I had several free drinks. At another stall manned by a young schoolgirl she was really trying to impress me with her English. Of course I gave her advice and some lessons. Reached Hatyai around 4 and checked into Rado (RM37)- it's cheap for two but I was alone. Food is not a problem as they are similar to ours and halal food is readily available. Touts are aplenty especially those plying the flesh trade. It's quite a task trying to get information as very few people speak English, and all writings are in Thai. Hatyai is pretty quiet compared to when I was there 2 years ago. It must be because of the insurgents in the south and the rising cost of everything. Tomorrow I move to Pattlung.

Adnan