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