DAILY MUSING : LIBRARIANS - OUR TRUE NORTH

Let us not kid ourselves. If we want to be impactful to the society (community) which is the biggest stakeholders that can help to change the public perception of us, then we need to understand whether our existence has been focusing towards them?. This is about society culture change and transformation. To me the most important stakeholders and who are our front-facing colleagues ranked by importance are;

RANK	STAKEHOLDER	RESPONSIBLE LIBRARY	REMARK
1	The community - urban or rural	Perpustakaan Desa	Questions. 1. Have we been giving enough attention to their strategic direction? 2. Have we equip those managing these PDs with proper skills and competencies 3. Are they the right people?
2	The community - urban or rural	Perpustakaan Awam	Questions: Apart from the same questions as for the PDs, additionally 1. Most of our strategic activities have been geared toward children. Why? It is not wrong but the more strategic target group are the parents who can build a sustainable ecosystem for their children
3	School children	Perpustakaan Sekolah	Questions 1. Why are still arguing who should run the school libraries 2. Why would not us combine our efforts and help the school libraries? This is where the change that we need to do the most. To change their perception. This is because we missed the boat at PDs and Perpustakaan Awam
4	Students of Institutes of Higher Learning	Perpustakaan Akademik	Question. The users are captured market yet we are not that successful in making them life long readers if not learners. In fact, most only appreciate the library as a place for them to do their course work. Even that there are those shying away. Why? They should be our spokespersons but go out into the market to become policymakers or heading corporate Malaysia and do not support us as much as they should be. Worse they see us as not important.
5	Policymakers	Perpustakaan Negara, Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Negeri, Perpustakaan Khusus Gunasama	Question. We have done a lot in trying to convince this group of people. It is a ‘hit or miss’ for us. In general, apart from our intangible value and the notion that we are creating value there is a limited alignment to the outcome of our stakeholders be it economy, productivity, innovation and mitigating social problems. We still have sleepless nights and could not directly contribute to minimise sleepless nights of our stakeholders
6	Business drivers	Perpustakaan Khusus (Syarikat)	The reality we are shrinking in this sector and we need to really transform ourselves and continuously creating values to the organisation.

The moral of the story even if we can improve the belief and perception at the end of this value chain (at level 5 &6) we will still fail or had to continuously 'fire-fighting' if we do not plug the dirty water flowing from the source (1 & 2 maybe 3 as well). We should do more at/with/for Perpustakaan Desa and Perpustakaan Awam. Maybe Perpustakaan Sekolah as well. 

KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail Sept 13-19, 2018, Travel Itinerary

NO	ITEM	TIMING
1	DAY 1 - SEPT 13, 2018 (Thu)	0700 ETS 9222 KLS 0712 - Padang Besar 1245 Arrive at Padang Besar 1640 (1540 Thai Time) Shuttle SRT Padang Besar - Hat Yai 1635 (Thai Time) Arrive Hatyai From here onwards timing in Thai time 1845 Special Express 32 Hat Yai Bangkok
2	DAY 2 - SEPT 14, 2018 (Fri)	1030 Arrive Bangkok Sightseeing around Bangkok 1810 Special Express 9 Bangkok Chiang Mai
3	DAY 3 - SEPT 15, 2018 (Sat)	0715 Arrive Chiang Mai Check-in at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Place Hotel Sightseeing Chiang Mai
4	DAY 4 - SEPT 16, 2018 (Sun)	Sightseeing In Chiang Mai Doi Inthanon National Park Sunday Walking Street Market at the Old City ( A must do)
5	DAY 5 - SEPT 17, 2018 (Mon)	Check out 1800 Special Express 10 Chiang Mai Bangkok
6	DAY 6 - SEPT 18, 2018 )Tue)	0650 Arrive Bangkok Last call shopping in Bangkok 1445 Special Express 31 Bangkok Hatyai
7	DAY 7 - SEPT 19, 2018 (Wed)	0635 Arrive Hatyai 0730 Shuttle Hatyai Padang Besar 0925 (Malaysian Time) Arrive Padang Besar 1115 ETS 9201 Padang Besar KLS 1655 Arrive KLS

 All tickets, except for the SRT Sguttle between Padang Besar and Hatyai, were all acquired online via KTMB Malaysia and the State Railways of Thailand

KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 6 & 7

Day 6, Sept 18, 2018, Tuesday

I woke up even before my alarm blasted to wake me up. My biological clock was more efficient on this trip. I sat in my bed as soon as I have finished looking at a new day being unveiled. Just like when I was 30 thousand feet above the ground looking down early morning breaking from a plane. But this one to me was even more beautiful as it happened at a relatively faster speed. 

Ayutthaya showed up with a little bit of daylight already lighting the station. Slowly we cruised into Bangkok and for us, another leg of the train journey waiting. 

At 0650 the train slowly parked at the platform for all of us to disembark. Just like when we arrived from Hatyai, Nizam was at the platform waiting for us only this time he had to rush to his office and left us immediately. Our simple plan for the day was to have breakfast at the same halal restaurant and take the MRT to Silom to buy food for our next train journey and at the same time kill sometimes. Our next train would be Express 31 back to Hatyai at 1445. So we had a good half a day to even do our last minute shopping in Bangkok. 

At 0809 we walked out of the station and crossed the main road at the main facade of the building and walked through the alley covered with a canopy to the restaurant for breakfast. Until now I do not know the name of the street. I did not remember whether I had something for breakfast there maybe just coffee with something light.

Once we had rested our body and our energy level went up a bit we left the restaurant and walked out towards the MRT station. At 0938 we were walking down the escalator to Hua Lamphong MRT smiling with one real mission to find something nice and good for Iqah, Mohd Noh’s only daughter. Of course, that was what I said loudly but deep down I was also looking for a good buy ha ha ha.

It was still very early in the morning when we got off the escalator at Silom MRT. Although it was already 0957 many outlets were still not open for business as normally they open mid-morning in the area. So we walked on to find those that already opened and ‘managed’ to contribute to the economy of Thailand. One of the places was the shopping complex across the street in front of the Silom Shopping Complex. When we walked in at the upper level several golf sports stores confronted us. Yes, we were confronted as golf is not my thing. Well, I love to watch Tiger Wood playing but Golf is not really for me. We went around a bit more and in the end, Iqah was happy and all of us were happy.

We took the MRT at Silom to go back to Hua Lamphong and at 1154 we were back at the restaurant for lunch and to take away some for our dinner on the train. 

At 1224 we were inside the station again and the first order was to say our jamak prayers. As usual, Sam and I took turns. After we had said our prayers I went around to shoot a few more frames of the trains and the station. After a while doing so I saw our train being shunted in at Platform 4. It was already 1330 I informed the rest and we decided to board and wait inside the airconditioned train. But not before plenty of photo taking. Once onboard the ritual to be comfortable began and like seasoned travellers we blended in.

At 1445 sharp the train departed with Sam and me in the first-class cabin at the back of the train. I stood at the back looking out at the track as we moved slowly out of Bangkok.

At a constant speed, we left the city and we passed stations like (1741) Nonc Plalai and (1744) Banc Chak without stopping. These were beautiful old stations that were still being used and maintained properly. I am sad that most of the old stations in Malaysian had been demolished or left to rot. Historic Gemas station is one example that being left to rot. Some were replaced by new stations that are less aesthetic and not necessarily practical to use. I continued to stand at the back looking out at the countryside and just refused to move back to our cabin. Thai Railways is constructing a second track alongside the current one and they were progressing well. We could be experiencing a faster and better service from them in the future. It had been raining down south of Thailand and rainwater was flooding the second track a bit. I knew then why they were piling the area to stabilise the earth and the track. 

At 1755 we approached Pretchaburi and there was a small pasar malam going on, on the side of the track leading to the station. It was a nice atmosphere and what a train station should be to me. A community business centre and gathering place. It was around this time (1806) Mohd Noh and family came to visit us at our cabin. We chatted and enjoyed the view from the back of a moving train. At 1816 it started to get dark and Mohd Noh and family left us. I went back to my observation place and witnessed the blue hour taking place outside. I shot a few more frames.

Eventually, at 1842 we arrived at the resort city of Hua Hin. It was time for us to say our prayers and I let Sam do her first. I stayed rooted until Hua Hin was really gone into the night.

Soon after I said my prayers I buzzed Mohd Noh to asked them to mengeteh and they said they were already on the way. We followed suit (2040).  We were not really eating but just snacking on what we had and enjoying our moment. One of the cafe attendance mentioned to us that he had seen us before on the Chiang Mai leg. So we were recognisable ha ha ha. Since it would be our last ride on the Thai train we stayed a bit longer having fun chatting almost until closing time. 

Once back at our cabin we prepared for the night and soon we had a nice good sleep.

Day 7, Sept 19, 2018, Wednesday

I was awake at 0530 and straight climbed down to shower. After the morning ritual and ready for our arrival we just sat looking at a new day. We were a bit quiet knowing another chapter in our train journey will end soon. It was a mixture of feelings. Everything in and semua kuah campur as we normally have our nasi kandar. In the final analysis, we love it and would do it again. 

We arrived at Hatyai 20 minutes off the scheduled arrival (0655). We disembarked and had another round of photo sessions. We let our train to be shunted out to the depot before we gathered ourselves. We decided to have breakfast at Padang Besar and waited for the ticket counter to open to buy our tickets to Padang Besar. The last time I was asked to show our passports to buy our tickets so I asked Sam for hers.

As an early arrival as well ad the first departure the station was quiet lacking the usual activities. we started t appreciate the station more and personally if ever the SRT going to build a new station to main the old one. It is not perfect but without the station, old memories and the best trigger for stories be gone forever. This is what the authority has missed in Malaysia. Buildings, structures and the whole ecosystem will create the community and their life. The new ones will recreate the community and develop into a new lifestyle that we may not want. 

It was not a long wait as at 0712 we walked to board our shuttle which was at Platform 3. The shuttle is free seating so we just chose the one slightly in the middle. Immediately after (0720) the locomotive was hooked up to our carriages. Ten minutes after that we departed Hatyai for the 45 minutes rides down to Padang Besar. 

At 0925 (Malaysian Time) we arrived at Padang Besar and went through the routine immigration checkpoints with no problem. Officially we were back in Malaysia and walked up to the waiting hall to have breakfast and wait for our 1115 ETS ride back to KL Sentral. The two hours waiting times soon were filled with eating and chatting. 

The five of us were really tired when we eventually boarded the ETS 9201 and we were not really in the mood to do anything else besides sleeping and being in our own zone. Soon enough at 1655 we arrived at KLS. I pitied Mohd Noh and family as for us it was another short train ride to Bangi whereas they had to take the bus at TBS and another 4 hours bus ride down to JB.

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KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 5

Day 5, Sept 17, 2018, Monday

The plan for the day was to have breakfast, do our last minute packing, check out, store luggage at the hotel, say our prayers at the Hedaytul Islam Mosque, take a taxi to the Old City to walk around, come back to the hotel to pick our luggage and go to the railway station to catch our train back to Bangkok. A simple and straight forward plan that eventually colored with realities. 

At around 0800 we were already at Sophia Restaurant for our breakfast and from the conversation we had the day before I knew that my wife, Mohd Noh and families would be buying a bit of dried foodstuff to take home. This was the reason for the last-minute packing in the initial plan. We ordered our addictions and slowly started to have our last breakfast in Chiang Mai. The ladies cannot wait until the food being served to start buying and started to do an information research with the lady owner and piled things up to take home. Both the bankers continued to concentrate on our gastronomic pleasure. To be honest I was enjoying the shopping bit as well. The dried foodstuffs really were useful to take home. 

Once we finished with our breakfast and food shopping we walked back towards the direction of our hotel. Instead of going up to our room I just made a quick drop of the foodstuff that we bought and we walked along the Changklan Road both to kill sometimes as well as looking for a last-minute bargain to shop. Although it was already passed 0900 most of the shops were still shut for business. This was understandable as they mostly stayed open until late at night. Among those already opened was a luggage shop that we stopped at. Apparently, Mohd Noh’s luggage needed expansion. While walking before we saw a man pushing his empty kiosk. That was not interesting but what really caught our attention was how he pushed his dinner table size kiosk complete with a roof around. He was manoeuvring his kiosk using a car steering wheel obviously with the front two tires fitted to it. We had fun looking at him and really admired his or their creativity. 

Just before 1100 we walked back to our room to finalised our packing and check out. We did not ask for a late check out as the mosque was just nearby for us to pray. In fact, it was a good opportunity for us to really explore the mosque and the community around it. At noon we checkout and lepak at the lobby waiting for zohor before we walked to the mosque. Since zohor was at around 1230 we did not have to wait long at the lobby. We met a few locals at the mosque and struck a good conversation. 

Hedaytul Islam (Ban Ho) Mosque is one of the seven Chinese mosques in Chiang Mai and it is the biggest. It was built by a group of Chin Ho or Hu Chinese that migrated from Yunnan in the nineteenth century. As we found out when we visited the old wooden mosques the day before the present mosque was built later across the old mosque.

Due to the time of the prayers and since most of the Muslims in Chiang Mai were still at work the congregation prayer was done at around 1330. Because we would not want to be late we said our prayers first. After we said our prayers we stayed back a bit, for me to take a few more shots inside of the mosque. We were introduced to the Imam who was sitting at a corner reading the Quran. He was of Chinese ethnicity as most of the Muslim in Chiang Mai.

Chinese Muslims in the north of Thailand mostly are from Yunan, China of Hui ethnic. They are known as Chin Haw or Chin Ho to the Thai community. They were believed to be traders and caravaners that crossed to Thailand. Currently, there are approximately 250 households (1,500 people) Yunanise Muslim within the districts of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, with some in Lampang.

In Chiang Mai apart from the Muslim community at Chang Klan Road, where we were, there are other Muslim communities and the most thriving is at the Wat Gate area where Attaqwa mosque is located. This mosque serves as the epicentre of the Muslim Sanpakoi community there. The other Muslim communities in Chiang Mai are at Chang Puak and Ban Haw that make up about 40,000 Muslim and 17 mosques in total.

We exited Hedaytul Islam (Ban Ho) Mosque at around 1250 and stopped at the halal stalls outside the mosque. Although we were not that hungry we just bought some food to try. We ate while walking and took the truck taxi to the Old City. Our objective was to walk around a bit and visit the many museums there. It was really a hot day. 

The truck taxi driver dropped us in front of the three kings monument and we first set our bearing as to where we were heading. The museum was just around the corner. We saw the building and it was just about finding the entrance. We circumvent the building and after a few minutes, we found the entrance. There was almost nobody at the museum and we began to wonder. We tried to get in until we saw somebody walking along and to our dismay, he told us the museum was closed. It was Monday and all the museums were closed on Monday. Suddenly we were tired and a bit frustrated. After a while of wondering what to do we decided to make the best it and backtracked towards the three kings monument. 

After a customary photo session at the monument, we just walked the street hoping to see interesting things. The Old City is dominated by Wats at every corner we turned we seemed to find one. It is not strange as the Old City was a fortress surrounded by a protective moat. After a while walking we were in front of the grandest Wat Chedi Luang. W did not enter just took a few photos from the road. In front of the Wat were several restaurants and bistro. I saw a restaurant that had an image of an enticing juice. Since it was hot and we needed a break we walked in to lepak for a while. It was No. 6 Restaurant. We ordered exotic sounded juices, halal snacks and continued to chat of old times and getting to know more of each other family. At this restaurant was when I found about the Elephant Sanctuary within the Old City. It was really marked as a sanctuary and confidently I announced that I wanted to walk there. To me, it was believable that there was a sanctuary in the old city because of the fact that it was an old fort as with a lot of Wats. A huge connection to history and the culture of the Kings of Chiang Mai. With that resolve after our happy lepaking guided by Google Map we turned left on Phra Pok Klao 8 Alley looking for the sanctuary. Along the way, we passed through beautiful old buildings or new refurbished or redesigned old buildings. Most of them either became high-end boutique hotels or restaurants. The two critical successful business ventures in cities like Chiang Mai. One of such places was Viang Luang Resort.  

We continued our walk and enjoying the surrounding. Capturing the moments and anything that we fancied along the way. We just wished that it was a cooler temperate and our walk would have been perfect. As we were nearing the end of the street I was getting excited because the ‘Sanctuary’ was supposed to just around the corner. I was ahead of everyone else and the first to see the big signage on the building that was beautifully done. Immediately I laughed aloud, of course at myself foolishly believing that there would be actually an elephant sanctuary there. Mohd Noh who was behind me laughed with me and he said something along the line ‘I was really sceptical when you mentioned about the sanctuary but I just followed as who knows?’ Ha ha ha ha we laughed and laughed. Of course, we took a picture of the Elephant Sanctuary Tourist Office.

After a good laugh, we explored the rest of the street until the end. At the corner, my wife stumbled upon a ‘jajan' shop and she went in to check on the variety and price. While we were there I conferred with Mohd Noh and decided from there for us to start to flag a taxi to go back to our hotel.

At 1605 we managed to get on and on our way back to our hotel. When we reached our hotel we collected our luggage and took the taxi outside the hotel. At around 1630 we were already at the station which was a good 2 hours. When we reached the station my wife asked whether there was halal outlet there. Together with my intention to explore the station, I went around to look for food for my dear wife. 

Chiang Mai Railway Station (SRT Code: CGM) was opened for service on Jan 1, 1922, where the first service was Lampang - Chiang Mai. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai service was introduced much later on April 11, 1933. The station is the main railway station in the Province. Currently, there are 12 daily trains servicing this station as shared below. 

1. Special Express 7/8 Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Bangkok 
2. Special Express 9/10 (this is the newer set that we took) Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Bangkok
3. Special Express 13/14 Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Bangkok
4. Express 51/52 Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Bangkok
5. Rapid 109 Bangkok–Chiang Mai
6. Rapid 102 Chiang Mai–Bangkok
7. Local 407/408 Nakhon Sawan–Chiang Mai–Nakhon Sawan

Apart from these, there are up-to six special trains for New Year, Songkran and other special festivals. Our train Special Express 10 was the last one to depart Chiang Mai station for Bangkok daily. 

Special Express 10, Chiang Mai (1800) - Bangkok (0735), 2nd Class Sleeper, Car 5, Seats 14-16

I went around the station taking photos at will from outside of the building to the six tracks inside. I checked the cafe inside the station and there were no halal outlets and the same with the two restaurants outside on the left of the station. While there I scrutinised the menu and saw the fruit plate and basket items. I ordered those for my wife. So a lesson learnt for everyone to pack some food for dinner on the train before you go to the train station. I was back at the place where the rest were waiting at 1647 and our train was already on the platform. I walked up along the train to find out whether we can board already and wait inside an air-conditioned coach. I found an attendant ahead and was told we could do so and I walked back to the rest to inform them and we boarded our train. 

Again we were in the same carriage for the journey down to Bangkok - Car 5, 2nd class sleeper

We rested in the train while waiting for the train to depart. However, me being me I jumped out to capture a few more shots of the Express 14 beside us that would be departing at 1700. In fact, I watched the train departed the station. 

Our train departed at 1800 sharp and all of us just sat at our seats looking outside quietly. Not sure what were the others were thinking but I was looking forward to another journey as well as wondering when would be the next time to take the train again to Chiang Mai. Slowly it got darker outside that helped to create a solemn mood for all of us. We were seated on the left side of the train and we watched the sunset through our window as the train moved into the night. 

We reached Lamphung at around 1920 and prepared for us to say our prayers and call it the night. Everyone seemed to want to retire early and we did.

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KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 4

Day 4, 16 Sept, 2018, Sunday

The night before I was so sure that the Sunday Walking Street Market would start in the morning. After I read the brochure I found out it would start from 4 pm until midnight. Thus, we had to plan something for the day. The idea of Doi Inthanon National Park was brought out again. The rate varies depending with whom you check and ask. The tour rate would be between 3200 to 3500 baht. If you were to take a private car it could be less. When we came down for breakfast Mohd Noh suggested a museum tour when upon checking it was worth doing a bit more. I checked at the tour counter at the hotel and from the driver waiting outside. Then we decided to take our breakfast to think it over another course of Thai’s breakfast and decide later. We definitely missed the tours pick up already so our only option was a private car. Breakfast was at Sofia Restaurant again and most of us almost had the same as what we had yesterday. Creature of habits that we were. We enjoyed our breakfast

Doi Inthanon is one of the most, if not the most, famous national parks in Thailand. Besides the peak and others, it is famous for its beautiful and magnificent waterfalls that of two we stopped at later, few trails, remote villages, picturesque mountain farms. To the locals, it is also known as The Roof of Thailand. Historically, the park is named after one of the last King of Chiang Mai, the king Inthawichayanon, who ordered upon his death for his remain to be buried in the park.

After breakfast, the driver outside walked up to me she saw we were approaching the hotel after breakfast. She said there was a 4X4 that willing to take us to Doi Inthanon at 3000 baht. After seeing the condition of the Isuzu 4x4 we took that option. The owner and driver of the 4X4 was an elderly so we got more comfortable. We filled in the necessary form and off we went. The drive out of town was pleasant and we got to see the culture and country more. Mohd Noh sat at the front chatted the driver a bit. I guess we were still tired and the 4X4 became quiet for a while.

We were travelling on a good road since we left the city and the terrain fast increasing in elevation indicating to us we were beginning to climb. It was not a serious climb but climbing nevertheless. Then out of the blue when we were driving down a small incline we heard a loud pop sound instantly I knew what had happened. The front tyre of the 4x4 exploded and the driver managed to slow down and stopped the car. The best part it was right in front of a tyre shop and we found out later the place was just before the starts of a major climb. How blessed we were. When I checked the time later the incident happened at around 1147.

The tyre shop was just slightly ahead of us nevertheless we initially disembarked and waited at the shop we stopped at. The owner, a good Samaritan, offered her house, bathroom and cold drinks for us while waiting. We thanked the house owner profusely proving to us there was still a lot of kindness with the human race no matter where we were. We let our driver, the Uncle, to deal with the repair and after much discussion, they had to pull the 4X4 to their workshop. Just next door and we had to move there to wait as well. We were ushered into an air-conditioned office to wait. 

The Uncle changed both the front tyres and in a few minutes we were off again climbing. Now with more stories to share Mod Noh chatted with the Uncle, our driver, evermore. The driver was 75 yrs old and still strong. We just could not believe it when he told us his age. He told us when asked, he had just cancelled his wife. We laughed hard as obviously, we understood that he had just divorced his wife. Too much asking for money and yakking he said. We like him even more after that and we knew we could rely on him to do the right thing. 

At 1250 we arrived at the entrance of the National Park and we had to pay a small fee of 300 baht per person to enter. The entrance is about 70 km from the city centre. After that, the climb got steeper but not as bad as climbing our Cameron Highland where we had to go through many kilometres of a winding road. But we did drive the high country like we were driving up to Cameron Highland. Vegetable and flower fields on both sides of the road. Soon at 1336, we were at the peak of Doi Inthanon National Park. It was a bit chilly and nice weather for tourists like us. At the site were the Royal Twin Pagodas, known as Naphamethinidon and Naphaphonphumisiri, built by the Royal Thai Air Force to honor Their Majesties The King and Queen of Thailand. We climbed the steps to Naphaphonphumisiri first, that was on our right, as we saw from the bottom to be more interesting. There was an escalator built for the tourist but on the day of our visit, it was out of service. Sam decided to stay at the waiting area, besides the many steps she had to negotiate she has her own reason not to climb. We were not wrong when we reached the top. We spent quite a bit of time absorbing the place and looking down the beautiful mountain. Being a short trip we cannot do many adventurous activities and one day I would like to come back to walk one of their scenic trails.

While we were coming down of the Naphaphonphumisiri it started to drizzle making the atmosphere a bit more interesting and misty. 

At around 1436 after the usual for the album photo session, we left the place. However, the driver knowing I am a photo addict, ha ha ha, stopped at a place where I could take a beautiful scene of the mountain. I think it was about 200 meters from where we left. I was the only one eager and jumped out to take a few shots of the mountain and valley below.

On our way up we saw the local fruits and vegetable vendors at one section of the road. It was properly built for tourists to stop. Our Uncle told us on the way up when we passed the place that we were going to stop there on our way down. So at 1459 we arrived at the place and stopped. Actually, it was like a late lunch for us. We bought fruits that we could eat fresh straight away as well as those that we could not find or get in Malaysia. We also bought a few that we could eat back at the hotel. We continued our way down and our Uncle told us he would stop at two waterfalls along the way. We were game for anything and did not expect anything that interesting. Not until we arrived at Wachirathan Waterfall at 1532.

The moment we entered the area after a few small corners and turns we heard the unmistakable sound. The roaring of a waterfall that sounds so majestic. Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park has to be one of the best waterfalls that I have seen. Water gushes very fast from the top creating mist as far as 100 meters away. The mist created by the fall was felt immediately as we walked closer to the base. My lens was covered with water particles and I had to cover it with my hand to take shorts of the waterfall. In no time we were wet as well which was good for us due to the heat. We took photos but I am not satisfied and needed to get closer. So I climb to the next level ground to observe the fall. It was the right decision and with the evening sun created a natural rainbow within the mist. 

The rest were already down below chatting but I was not satisfied until I explored a bit more. So, I walked down along the wet and slippery side of the fall and river until I reached below the place where the rest were waiting. Honestly, I would have stayed longer if we had the time. The fall was even more majestic from the side down below. I was blessed with the opportunity. At almost 4 pm we left the fall for another one further down below.

The second waterfall that we stopped at was just right before the border of the National Park. From there level road to Chiang Mai. Again it was a magnificent waterfall that gushes water very fast. Mae Klang Waterfall, about 66 kilometres from Chiang Mai, is the lowest of the waterfalls at Doi Inthanon National Park. Arguably the most visited in Thailand. When I was there I could understand why. There were sort of three tiers of the waterfall and I walked al the way to the top tier. It was still a brilliant one but less majestic compared to Wachirathan Waterfall. You could just admire it but access to the fall was limited by the fall itself and visitors would mostly come with the family to picnic at the lowest tier. 

When we were finally down at the 3rd and lowest tier where we parked we saw that our Uncle was having his evening tea and puffer. We let him enjoyed his tea and explored the area a bit. There were several families having a picnic there. Some genius souls actually built small plank and wood branch bridges for people to have access across the flowing water and it really looked nice from the top. At around 1645 we continued our journey back to our hotel and most of us were quiet dozing.

I guess we were back at the hotel slightly after 1800. We agreed to come down and go to visit the Sunday Walking Street Bazaar at the Old City after we had our bath and said our prayers. At 1820 we took the truck taxi to the Old City at 40 baht per person. We found out later the average fare per taxi was around 150 - 200 baht going around Chiang Mai. The Sunday Walking Street Market is a must do in Chiang Mai. As the name implies you have to be in Ching Mai on Sunday to experience this. All local products and crafts were sold here at a good price. It is really different from the everyday Night Bazaar.  Its starts at Tha Pae Gate, where we were dropped off by our truck taxi driver, and runs all along Ratchadamnoen Rd, for around one kilometre. When we were there it has branched out to the other roads connecting to it such as Jhaban Rd. The market will open at 1600 and end at 2400. By 1900 it will be busy and packed with tourists as well as locals. It was really a long walking market and you would not satisfy yourself by being there just for a while. I really recommend exploring everything nooks and cranny of the market. I ended up buying more then I expected to be which was fun. Despite we being limited to the kind of food that we could eat there were still quite a bit of halal food stalls.

The other interesting thing was the blind musicians sitting in one single line in the middle of the street to play oldies. That was really unique and innovative of them. We continued to walk until the end and follow the new branch of the market to our right towards the Three Kings Monument. From there we took the truck taxi back to our hotel. We left at 2220 because Taufiq needed to fit his suit that he did the day before at the tailor on the road along our hotel. 

At around 2230 we were at the tailor relaxing and enjoying ourselves. I could not remember the tailor. Could it be James Bond Tailor?

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KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 3

Day 3, 15 Sept, 2018, Saturday

I woke up as usual to say my Suboh. It was at around 0530 and as soon as I was done I just sat in my bed looking outside. Across me, I saw Mohd Noh and family busy getting themselves comfortable. A few minutes later the attendant came to two seats away from us to pull up the bed. As soon he had finished Mohd Noh requested him to do the same with our beds.  In a few minutes, we were sitting in our proper seats and looking out. The day started to break in and at 0600 we arrived at Khun Tan. Khun Tan is a special station among railfans as it is a possible station for an excursion to spot train up north Thailand. One of the main attraction is the longest railway tunnel in Thailand is within the Khun Tan Range. In fact, the tunnel was just before the Khun Tan station. I totally missed the experience because it was still fairly dark outside. The 1362.10 metres long tunnel is the longest of the seven in Thailand. Due to its location in high range, Khun Tan Station is the highest railway station in Thailand at an elevation of 758 m.

Closed to 0700 we approached Lamphun station. Lamphun is one of the smallest stations in the north region and by the look of it quite traditional in architecture. We stopped for a while to cross with an ordinary train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. The train was really ordinary just like the one we took from Golok to Bangkok. I could imagine the train stopping at every station going down to Bangkok. 

A few minutes after Lamphun we started to approached Chiang Mai. I just knew it as the building outside started to look like a suburb and the daily life of the people indicating that big town is nearby. I captured a few frames and started on my video of our arrival at Chiang Mai station. At 0715 the train stopped at Chiang Mai and happily, we disembarked. Happy because after two days of travelling we finally will be really playing tourist. It was the first time in Chiang Mai for everyone else and a second time for me since 1998. Our first time to arrive at Chiang Mai historic railway station.

We took our time at the station to take pictures and posing for the album first. In the meantime as per my habit when arriving at a new place I to get the sense of the place and gather as much information as possible as not to get hoodwink by the locals. There is always one or two of this type everywhere trying to skin tourists or visitors like us. I approached a legitimate tourist information desk to ask the best way to get to town. The man at the tourist counter suggested or more like recommended his friend. Much later I found out 60 baht to town by jeep from the station was pretty much the standard. 5 of us in one big jeep it was way worth paying for it. Soon we were happily at the back of the jeep chatting and playing with the wind that was blowing against our faces. It was a fairly short ride to our hotel.

When we arrived at the hotel, Night Bazaar Place Hotel, we knew it was still too early to check-in. But, we tried our luck anyway. As expected we were told too early to check-in. So we stored our luggage and walked along Halal Street to find good food to eat. The street was just next to the hotel. There were a lot of choices but we decided on a promising one, the Sophia Restaurant. We were not wrong and the place became our designated restaurant to eat during our Chiang Mai stay. The food was really good. Not only we enjoyed our food but knowing each other as well. 

After we had our lunch we walked back towards our hotel. Along the way, we were intrigued by an old wooden building that was left untouched but kept clean. We stopped to explore and the nice surprise as it was an old wooden mosque. We deduced the new mosque across the road opposite it was to replace the old but they kept the old intact for historical reason. 

Still too early to check-in. Out of the lobby of the hotel, we turned left and walked along Changklan Road. Most of the shops and the stalls along the road were still closed as expected. Based on experience the street will be transformed at night with lights and business activities in progress. Only one or two major shopping complexes were already opened. We found one, Pantip Plaza after we had been walking for about 10 minutes. We entered with the intention to explore and kill some times. Well, I cannot trust myself anymore with shopping. I found corduroy jeans on sale that fit me like a glove. A quick mental calculation said it was RM20 a piece. I bought two straight away ha ha ha.

After we had done with the shopping complex we had so much waiting time still. Too full to drink and we did not wish to venture far from where we already were, we backtracked back to the hotel using the back route just in case we find something really interesting to explore. By that time the heat really on us and at every opportunity, we rerouted our way through buildings. 

In front of our hotel was The Plaza Outlet Mall and it was already opened when we were back at the hotel. We walked in to kill some more times. They have different outlets and one that Sam and I love like the most was the handicraft outlet. We took our own sweet time browsing. We like some of of the handicrafts but we did not buy anything due to either they were a bit pricy or no suitable size. We were consciously waiting to safe our spending spree for the famous Chiang Mai Weekend Walking Market the next day. As for me, there was an arts gallery and thank goodness there was not one that I really like. 

We finally went back to the hotel to wait for our room to be readied. Ours was readied first while sadly Mohd Noh had to wait a bit more for his room. Before we went up we made plan to come down at around 1600 to explore the other side of Chiang Mai town to look for leather goods and parchments. I did not remember whether I took a nap or not but certainly I was really excited to be In Chiang Mai again. Tired I might have been but the adrenaline kept me awake. 

Using my virtual as well as my mental maps we started to cross the Halal Street to walk until the corner of Changklan Road and Taphae Road. We turned right at the corner and proceeded towards the bridge. One of the many temples around Chiang Mai and Chiang Mai Old City was on our right as we walked. We did not cross Ping River instead we cross the road and turned left into Praisanee Road with the intention to walk along the river. The heat dented our spirit a bit but we persevered to walk on. We passed The Chief Judge of Region 4-5 Lodging, Mae Ping Post Office, Northern Telecoms of Thailand Museum, and Philatelic Museum. All of them look like historic beautiful buildings. We did not stop to explore as we were trying to catch the leather’s stores before they were closed for the day. But we did stop at a small shop selling local weaving products. In fact, I bought a matt made of reed. Further on we stumbled upon a flower market. Beautiful flowers were everywhere on the street. Naturally, they were from the high lands of Chiang Mai. 

According to the Goolge Map, there was a pedestrian bridge that we could use to cross Ping River to the other side. As we got to the bridge, of course, photography sessions materialised naturally before, while and after the crossing. Once we were on the other side it was serendipity. We discovered like arts and crafts zone of Chiang Mai. Galleries, arts and local handicrafts shops were along the street we walked. There were several boutique hotels and homestays as well. In fact, most of the old shophouses there were transformed into either boutique hotels or gallery. There was a Gurdwara as well that really surprised me. I had not seen them but obviously, there were Sikhs in Chiang Mai. 

Mostly we observed from outside and only one or two that we entered to explore. The two particular ones for me were Suvannabhumi Art Gallery and Sop Moei Arts. Suvannabhumi Art Gallery was run by a local artist that had his painting on display. But there was not one that I really fancy. However, we had a long chat about the arts world in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai. He suggested a few galleries I should check out if I had times. Sop Moei Arts was actually a non-profit organisation established to preserve the local handicraft. They have sites in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. This particular shop was run by a Dutch guy that felt in love with the Thais culture and crafts. There were a few locals actually were making the handicrafts at the time we visited. Again not finding something that we really like we thanked the gentleman and continued our walk.

Kaeonawarat Road was ahead of us after we left the arts store and turned right led by Taufiq in trying to locate the shop. Sam and I just followed from the back. The street was like a normal town road with various shops on both sides. After 2 blocks they decided it was not the kind of shop they were looking for and we backtracked. Again guided by our Google Map we walked straight with the intention to cross Ping River via Nakhon Phing Bridge that connected to Tai Wang Road. Actually, it was Kaeonawarat Road that became Tai Wang Road as soon as we crossed the river. 

Through the maze of Chaing Mai’s city roads and alleys, we walked back to our hotel. It was quite a long walk but we reached with more than enough daylight. The plan for the night was no brainer for us. Just to walk the entire length of the night bazaar that happens every night along the road of our hotel - Changklan Road.

After we said our prayers we came down and started walking to check out various shops and stalls. We had a food tasting session as well. Well those that were halal for us. Mainly, we ate a lot of fruits. To those that have been to night bazaar in Thailand this one not much different. What's obvious though less, almost none, fake items but more local products and brands. A lot of leather stuff if you are a fan. Mohd Noh decided to cut a suit for his son at one of the tailors along the road. We had a nice chat with the tailor as well. He is a Thai born second-generation Indian that spoke English with a bit of American accent. I asked about that and where he had learned. Without missing a beat he said from the street. Meaning from the tourists and his customers. I was really impressed and yes one can learn to speak a foreign language that way.

While we were walking I was really thinking about what best to do the next day. Two things that were constantly on our mind were Doi Inthanon Park that Mar suggested and go up to visit the mountain tribes. Mohd Noh gave a third alternative of just doing the Museums in town. Whatever the choice we will do the Sunday Walking Street Market in the evening as I thought it was a whole day Walking Street Market. I was leaning more towards Doi Inthanon and started to enquire on how best to get there from the tourist desk at our hotels as well as along the bazaar. Of course, enterprising locals would offer their services easily and gave their contact numbers for us to get in touch. 

After 2 straight nights on the train we had a proper bed for the night and with our tired body, we slept soundly.

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KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 2

Day 2, Sept 14, 2018 - Friday

I was up at around 0500 and straight jump down to go to have my shower. With all the early morning ritual done we sat waiting for the day to really break out. At the same time, we ate whatever food we bought for breakfast and the only other thing to have was coffee. Soon enough I received a message from Mohd Noh that they were on their way to the buffet car. We followed suit.

At 0644 we were at the cafe having breakfast, what food we had left that we shared and coffee. There was halal food served the first time I boarded this train but now only vegetarian food was the option if we wanted to buy on board. We had 'tapau' what we could at Hatyai and brought along other snacks and bread. We feasted on what we had and we were more than satisfied. The other passengers started to join us in numbers. We knew we could not sit there too long but we persisted as much as we can by chatting away. The Thais, as usual, had rice and iced drinks for breakfast.

We ended up sitting at the buffet car for almost two hours. It was so hard to leave especially when you had one of the best scenery of Thailand passing outside, One particular thing was the Kelapa Laut trees planted by the farmers within their paddy field. During our first trip, I was really wondering as to what tree it was. I wanted to ask someone after that but I forgot. However, a conversation I had with Ameer, I think, the subject came out when we were reviewing some of our photos. Ameer told me it was Kelapa Laut tree. That morning to show to others I zoomed in my camera as close as possible and captured the kelapa on the tree. Indeed it was Kelapa Laut.

At 0809 we left the cafe to enjoy the rest of the journey into Bangkok from our viewing seats. 

We started to approach Bangkok at 1030 but Hua Lamphong station seemed elusive with too many stops and crossings. One of the major stops was Bangsue. Bangsue is already a major hub and soon will become the main hub replacing Hua Lamphong once the new train terminal is completed. If not for these we could have been at Hua Lamphong sooner. We finally disembarked at the station at 1115.  Since we were right at the front we were already at the entrance to the station’s main waiting hall when we disembarked. We waited for Mohd Noh and family to join us and in the process witnessed the laundry crew at work. During this trip laundry business became our real interest as well as a joke among us. Basically, because Mohd Nor owns the same business back in JB. So when Mohd Noh reached us he was busy taking pictures of the cleaning crew throwing and gathering the used beddings on the platform. In fact, I was intrigued not only of the speed but the accuracy of their gathering method that include throwing our the bundle onto the platform. It was a joy to watch.

Mohd Noh's brother, Nizam, who works for Times Telekom stationed in Bangkok came to welcome us at the station. He has been in Bangkok for 2 years. He waited for one hour, at least, for our arrival at the station. He was also taking an AA flight home for the weekend a few hours after we arrived.

As planned we stored our luggage at the storage service available at the station and walked out of the station via the man entrance of the main hall. As we were outside we turned left and crossed the road where 7-eleven was. We took the small alleyway where side small shops turned it into a canopy-like walkway and we walked through it until the end of the block. At the end of the block, we turned left and walked further on. There were three halal restaurants there and Nizam chose the nearest for us to have a proper late breakfast. It was a southern Thailand Muslim menu a taste not far from what we used to at home. I could not remember what we had but I am pretty sure some of us ate rice. Nizam belanja us when we finished and walked back to the station to take the MRT to Silom and eventually connecting to BTS there to Wongwian Yai to buy leather parchment/products at Chareon Rat 4. According to Mohd Noh Thailand is the best place to buy that as nowhere in Malaysia he could a good supply of leather parchment and remnant. From the Wongwian Yai BTS station, we had to walk about two blocks and we reached the area at around 1239. There were several shops selling the stuff. Mohd Noh’s family is actually into small-item leather goods business as well and to be in Bangkok was another fulfilled business trip. We were within that area for about 1 hour. 

Our train to Chiang Mai would be at 1810 so we had a bit of more time to spare. However, we had nothing more to do there and we decided to take the train back to Hua Lamphong and have a good lunch there. 

Lunch was at the same place but different restaurant as we decided to try the restaurant at the end of the same block we had our breakfast in the morning. When we arrived at the restaurant there were few people eating but it seemed we had passed the peak hours as the owner was a bit laid back in serving us. It was a husband and wife operation and the wife indicated to us to have a seat and wait. She was saying something that obviously we did not understand and put her hand up indicating for us to wait or hang on a minute. She yelled across what it seemed her business associate that was selling drinks. Later that guy came to us and speaking Malays in Kelantan dialect said that the owner did not speak Malay and told us to order through him. Thus, the sign language just before that ha ha ha. So we ordered Tom Yam as he recommended to be very good. So the four of us ordered four different types - Chicken, Seafood, Beef and Prawn. I decided to share with my wife. For drink knowing they will make them very sweet I ordered ‘kopi O kosong’.

Our orders came and they were indeed tasted very good. We cleaned our plates in no time. We took time enjoying the moment and, for me and Mohd Noh, chatting about old-time especially about friends from our school. We were actually just so happy to sit there longer but then it was time for us to get our stuff together and pray.

At 1427 we walked back towards Hua Lamphong via the alleyway that now our familiar route. We stopped at various small businesses along the way to buy stuff that we may need on the train as well as unique souvenirs. As we were out on the main street we saw a lady selling fruits and her sliced fruits such as papaya, mango dan pineapple looked enticing. We bought a few. We knew she had many years under her belt selling fruits when she cleverly cut one big pineapple that Mohd Noh bought with just simply using the back of the knife and cutting the fruit while holding it in a plastic bag. Initially, it was like she was cutting it through the plastic and we thought she must be insane or something. It was really a nice cut and quick as well. Mohd Noh gave her a tip for that. Amazing! What innovative things human can do if you have the knowledge and experience.

Once we were in the waiting hall we went to collect our luggage in the storage area. I cannot really remember how much we paid for a bag but it was really reasonable. With our luggage collected Sam and I took turn to say our jama’ qasar prayers. It was already 1452 at that time.

Special Express 9 Bangkok Chiang Mai, Car 10 - 18 & 20

After we said our prayers we parked ourselves at the bench in the waiting hall. After a while bored of sitting around I went around to shoot the station and trains. I knew I had enough collection already from my previous train excursion to Bangkok. Nevertheless, I still shoot the scene in and around the station. 

When I came back we still had a few hours so I suggested we ‘lepak' drinking coffee at the Coffee Canyon on the mezzanine level, a place where I was very familiar already. The bonus they have an Internet connection there. We heaved up our luggage up the two flight staircase and it was 1515. We sat at Coffee Canyon for about two hours talking and messing with our gadgets. One thing good about the mezzanine floor is that it is open and you could see the whole waiting atrium/hall below you. Indeed it was the best place to wait as the Arrival and Departure electronic board can easily be seen at an eye-level when you are sitting having coffee. Mohd Noh and I automatically continued to chat about old times. When that happened not only it was timeless but time also flew by quickly.

At 1700 we decided to walk down to board. Since our train already parked it is better to board early and wait inside the cool nice spacious train. Now on this leg, we were in the same Coach 10 so we walked together. As we approached the train we witnessed the train crew smartly dressed standing in one line on a roll called. 

Sam and I occupied seat 18 and 20 whereas Mohd Noh and family just beside us but Mohd Noh bought one lower and two upper beds. Knowing the drill now everyone settled down comfortably quickly. We just sat down and did our own things until the train departed as scheduled at 1810. In a few minutes would be maghrib and the attendant started to pull out our bed for the night. It was done expertly in a few minutes. Once our bed readied we prepared ourselves to say our jama qasar prayers. We did it sitting down on our bed. 

I thought everyone was tired and ready to call it in for the night until Mohd Noh announced ‘Jom ngeteh’. Off we went for coffee, snack and dinner of a sort at the ABC. We actually tapau a bit of food from the restaurant that we had lunch. Another long session there until all of us really felt tired and really in need of a rest. 

I was still awake when we were back in our bed and I tried to write. But my mind was away somewhere else. So I abandoned it, switched off my Ipad and went to sleep. I slept almost soundly through the smooth journey up north of Thailand. Once in a while, I felt the movement of the train climbing up through higher terrain. This part of the journey in Thailand was new to me it was the first time for all of us that day. 

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KLS - Bangkok - Chiang Mai and Back On Rail, Sept 13-19, 2018, Day 1

Day 1, Sept 13, 2018 - Thursday

0700 ETS 9222 KLS - Padang Besar

I set the alarm at 4am just to make sure. My wife did the same as we did not want to miss this one he he he. Initially, it was supposed to be a group trip excursion for PPM became just then two of us until I broadcasted about the intent and my good schoolmate from JB decided to join us. There was not an elaborate preparation for this trip, it just changed the content our or travelling luggage. A trip like this is a normal occurrence to both of us now. In fact, we just got back from another train trip to the east coast. 

We left the house with me driving 10 minutes to 5am. It was drizzling a bit and the kind of weather accompanied us all the way to Bangkok which was nice to us, not too hot. I drove at a constant normal speed as I knew we would reach KL Sentral in more than enough timeframe. We arrived at KL Sentral about half past 5 and walked down to the ground level to wait. A few minutes later a familiar face greeted us, Mohd Noh arrived with his son and daughter a few hours earlier and we chatted while waiting for Suboh

After Suboh we went straight to wait at the gate while Mohd Noh, I guessed correctly, was still waiting at the waiting area up at another level above. As it was the first train for the day I knew it would be on time. Soon the gate opened for boarding. After I texted Mohd Noh we went down to board and our coach was just in front of us when the lift door opened. As usual, I booked Coach C where the cafe and surau (prayers room) are. Very convenient for a guy like me. We walked in to board and for me to make sure my wife settled down and our luggage stowed away properly. Then Mohd Noh and family showed up to board. Then I did my own normal thing moving around taking photos. Since a lot of people asking the ‘how to’ of taking the train all the way to Bangkok I planned a storyline to capture our journey in short videos. I did the first one in the waiting area and longer when boarding the ETS. This capturing continued at important points and up all the way to Chiang Mai. 

When the train departed Mohd Noh and I sat at the cafe to chat, old times chatting session. While we were chatting the cafe guys were busy getting ready for business and eventually, we were their first customers. It not that the scene outside of no interest to me but after so many times on this route I could ignore it for a while. Sam was sleeping so I had breakfast with Mohd Noh. Later Mohd Noh’s family joined us and Sam was still sleeping until I woke her up. 

We arrived at Tg Malim at 0710 and we departed 10 minutes later. Tg Malim brought back certain memories.

We sat at the cafe until several customers arrived that we had to vacate the seats for others to sit. That was when I decided to catch on my lost sleep. I did not know how long I slept but enough to refresh me when we arrived at Ipoh around 0830. After that, I became adventurous as usual. Since I was already too familiar with the scene outside I just stood by the window to expect the unexpected. One thing that I would like to capture in video though was the crossing of Bukit Merah Lake on the right side where we could see the old track. 

We arrived at Kuala Kangsar at 0907 and from the conversation between the conductors I knew the train was going to sit for 10 minutes, Thus, I followed the attendant out on the platform.

We passed through the first tunnel at 0917 and eventually Bukit Merah Lake at 0940.

After Bukit Merah, I just sat in my seat looking the world passing by at 100 km per hour outside. Actually, I was anticipating Padang Besar and the drill that we had to go through to get on the shuttle train to Hatyai. I have never done it before myself thus the plan played out in my mind like a movie being replayed so many times. ETS 9222 bypassed Butterworth so time to Pdg Besar was shorter. We arrived on time at Padang Besar, at 1240 the train approached Pdg Besar Station. Once disembarked, coach C was strategically at the terminal exit, I walked out towards the auxiliary police to enquire on buying the Thais shuttle tickets to Hatyai. I knew that the tickets could be bought at the SRT office on our left at the platform level. He started telling me that and continued to inform me that recently the Thai SRT rescheduled their train services and the next shuttle will depart at 1640 our time which means 1540 Thai time and the ticket office will only be opened at 1430. On hearing the new timing I panicked for a while and did a quick mental calculation on our train scheduling. Our train to Bangkok will depart at 1845 so we will have 2 hours at Hatyai to kill. Enough time to have proper early dinner and I was planning to purchase the data sim card there as well. He advised us to wait at the cafeteria above. We did and we had light lunch. Mohd Noh and I chatted about old times as well as current status and well being of our school friends. This what I like in a long travels like this one. Stories, especially old stories being told and shared, among others you get connected or reconnected with new and old friends. It became our travel and adventure to share and remember about for a long time. The train gives you the opportunity as if we were its captured market that we have to be there waiting and sitting for the next train. For us opportunity to explore, read, write or just having a nice conversation that we could never have the opportunity to do before. To the railway companies they should look at these waiting times as opportunity to make more money. But I do not think KTMB has that in their mind as even their bathrooms are in dire state. 

At 1455 we decided to uproot ourselves from the cafe to go down the platform to buy out tickets and wait to board. It was not a complicated process but the waiting time was quite tiring. I walked into the Thais ticketing office and bought 5 tickets to Hatyai. Then we had to walk to the Platform 1 to wait for immigration checks, both Malaysia and Thailand. The immigration will only open when the Hatyai - Padang Besar train arrived at the station and they have to clear passengers from Hatyai first before we were allowed to go through the process to leave Padang Besar. No matter what the train will wait for us to clear the immigration and board. The shuttle from Hatyai arrived at 1547 at Platform 2 and the passengers from Hatyai started to disembark and went through the immigration check.

The train scheduled to depart at 1640 but we boarded at 1642 at Platform 2 and departed 1 minute after. 

I always love to ride the old train. Something that at times I crave for and I am not alone. My train buddies would enjoy the open windows seeing the world outside passing by with the burst of strong wind provided by the movement of the train. The faster the train goes the better it is for us and we love it. The feeling is so indescribable. If I were to describe it to the uninitiated it would be like someone by the sea with the strong sea breeze blowing against you. You will be just standing there facing the sea absorbing all the good things blowing against you. You feel relax when all the worries and stress blew away. It is something like that with us in an open train. 

While enjoying the short ride a Thai man that I observed peddling Thai Telecom SIM card at the Padang Besar platform came into our coach. I wanted to get one and I thought I could get is cheaper at Hatyai. He approached us and I asked how much he was selling. The replied was the same rate if you buy anywhere else and I took one for our adventure in Thailand. It is a tourist SIM card valid for a week. I knew it was good as I had used it before. I plug it in my iPad and told Mohd Nor that he did not have to get one as I would use mine as hotspot for them.

The shuttle approached Hatyai at 1634 Thai time. We disembarked and walked out towards the Halal restaurant outside of the station. It was not so much that we were hungry but it was an early dinner as well as the last opportunity to pack some halal food for the night journey. We had roughly 2 hours so we enjoyed our food. We chatted and at the same time getting to know each other better. 

Special Express 32, Hatyai - Bangkok, Car 2 - 21-22

After the food, we were tourists doing touristy things like capturing each other in digital in front of the station with the old exhibited locomotive. We continued doing the same on the platform. As we were doing this our train shunted in at 1740 with the first-class cabin right in front. We boarded. We had plenty of time to settle down before the train departed. We even managed to jump out to do our last-minute snack sacking on the platform. At 1800 Iqah experienced her first Thailand’s NegaraKu ritual.

The locomotive was attached while we were on board and since I was at the front I managed to capture the process from the train. At that time Mohd Nor and family happened to tour our cabin and managed to observe the process from the back of our cabin as well. 

We departed at 1845 sharp. 

After we departed Hatyai we went to our cabin to soak in the atmosphere being on the train. To Mohd Nor and family, it was their first time to get comfortable in the new train. I thought I let them get comfortable before I pay them a visit or invite them to have coffee at the buffet car. Mohd Nor and family had been travelling form JB and understandably there were a bit tired. I let them rested a bit longer, in fact only after maghrib and dinner I sort of checked on them. Everyone was too tired and retired to bed early.

I had a good sleep. It was heaven sleeping on the train. Especially this new train.

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