179 Waylaid in Malay

Padang Besar

Padang Besar

Departure day starts with our usual good breakfast. Late check out, 1:00 PM. An afternoon in the too cool lobby. I spent time on the computer, Cat had to move outside occasionally to thaw. We had asked the staff to call Othman to take us to the Station. When we asked they said they’d tried but no answer.

As the hour neared they hailed a taxi van. The driver asked where we were going. When we told him Padang Besar he offered to take us for 900 Ringgit. (About $260 US) We told him we prefer the train and have our tickets. Then we began to see signs for the airport. We questioned him, he said, “Yes, yes, the train station.” but kept going. Then he turned back. He got us for about $10US. I let him know that I knew. He drove away.

Mr. Goh, MOney Changer Philosophor
Mr. Goh, MOney Changer Philosophor

At the station we saw another cyclist with his bike. A Swede who lives in Thailand. He just pushed until they let him bring his bike.

The train is an all night ride to Padang Besar. We have no money but were sure that they’d accept our credit card or have an ATM in PB. We have a private compartment. We ate in a deli at the station, pretty bad as station food often is. We did have wine. The train pulled out at 8:00 PM. The Porter made the beds up and we were laying in lurching bunks by 9:00. Sleep was good.
Breakfast, a Sprite and banana. Arriving in Padang Besar we found no ATMs and the Thais couldn’t accept credit cards. Worse yet, the bikes weren’t there. Slight panic, no money and no bikes. Yikes!
Bikes will arrive late afternoon, new plan. We will have to wait then take the 45 minute ride into Hatyai, Thailand find enough cash to get to Bangkok.
Raising money to get there acquainted us with Mr. Goh. Distant at first, we soon became fast friends. He was born and raised in PD. Married a local girl and has 3 children. We discovered that we are close to the same age. He is 8 months older than I. I began calling him my big brother. He said, “Yes, older not bigger brother.” He has been a State Assmblyman and is currently Chairman of the Primary School District. He’s a devout Buddhist and leader of his temple. We wiled away the hours discussing world events and Buddhist philosophy. Too much to report here but i did love this story. He told of a Buddhist Monk, teacher and leader who, when dying said, “When born, I was nothing. In my life I have been nothing and when I die, I will still be nothing.” That is a very deep philosophical statement. I’m still pondering it, how do you interpret it and your life?