Moprang widened her eyes.

The destination is not a specific place, but rather a new perspective on things.

Henry Miller

:: Open your eyes wide, yes, you have to open your eyes wide because it's Songkran. Dressed up so handsome, not for anything, 'afraid of getting wet'. Opened his eyes early in the morning, woke up at 7 am, had diarrhea and went to the bathroom 3 times. By the time I started the car, it was past 8 am. By the time I reached Phichit, the sun was already strong and I was sweating. I stopped to eat some rice and rest. I haven't even driven halfway yet and I'm already resting. My stomach is starting to give me a warning sign that I need to put something in it. This is my second long-distance trip. The excitement is different from the first time because this time I'm driving alone, it's lonely.

First Motorcycle Trip >>

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The restaurant I stopped at for lunch was called "Sia Khaek", branch 3. Despite having recently suffered from an upset stomach due to eating too much papaya salad (which was freely available at every house I visited during the festival), I decided to try their stir-fried frog curry. The dish was slow to arrive but delicious, justifying its 175 baht price tag. I also ordered a bottle of soda. The restaurant is located in Tambon Noen Sawang, and its large sign makes it easy to spot.

As I was finishing my meal, the owner of the restaurant, a man, came over to chat. We started talking about cars, and it turned out that he was quite a legend himself. I don't remember the model of the car he was driving, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't even born yet. After a while, he went and got a leather jacket to show me. He said, "Look at this, I bought it for ten thousand baht, but now I can't wear it anymore. I'll sell it to you for two thousand." I quickly reached into my pocket, but instead of grabbing money, I grabbed my phone to take a picture of this legendary leather jacket. It had a certain magic to it, I can't explain it. This is the second time I've mentioned this restaurant. If you're interested, you can ask the owner about the jacket on Facebook: ร้านอาหารแขกปลาแม่น้ำ สาขา3. You could be the next legend.

After discussing cars, the conversation shifted to "Do you have a girlfriend, young man?" "Oh, no," I replied. "That's good, then you'll have time to travel. Travel while you have the energy, because once you have a wife, you won't be able to. See my aunt over there, picking basil leaves? (laughs) We ended our conversation there. As a single man, I guess I'll have to keep traveling. I said goodbye to the legendary uncle whose name I didn't ask, along with the legendary leather jacket I told him I would sell for him. If it sells, I'll tell him right here that I want a free meal of frog curry. It was so delicious and spicy, I can still feel the heat today, haha. On my next trip to Sukhothai, I'm sure I'll have the chance to meet the legendary leather jacket uncle again... and I'll stop by for some frog curry.

Within 20 minutes of driving, I reached a red light. I felt my car lighter and turned around to see my bag gone! Panicked, I didn't know what to do as the light was about to turn green. I saw a police booth and quickly turned around to seek help. "Help me, my bag is lost!" I exclaimed. "Where did you lose it?" the officer asked. "It must be within 10-20 kilometers from here," I replied. I wanted to drive back and search, but the young officer advised me to stay calm and said he would radio for help. Ten minutes felt like an eternity. I returned to my car, ready to start searching myself, when the radio crackled with news. The Neinsawang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, a security checkpoint during the festival, had found my bag! My heart, which had sunk to my ankles, leaped back to its rightful place. My journey was once again paved with rose petals. I bowed and thanked the officers and villagers profusely. If I hadn't found my bag, I would have returned home frustrated and disappointed. My happy trip could have turned into a nightmare. The camera, the camera bag I had just used for the first time, and many other things were stuffed inside. Thanks again to the Phairob Subdistrict patrol officers and the Neinsawang Subdistrict Administrative Organization! Small town, big heart. This is the third time I've mentioned Lowepro camera bags. The tear in the picture is just from the rain cover; the bag itself is undamaged. It rolled and slid on the road at 100 km/h, so I consider it a pass.

Following the GPS, the air grew increasingly hot and humid, causing me to sweat profusely. Feeling faint, I pushed on for a while longer before questioning the GPS's accuracy. I pulled over and inquired at a security checkpoint during the festival in Tambon Mueang Kao, Phetchabun Province. The kind woman meticulously drew me a map. On every journey, the kindness of the people I encounter is something I cherish writing about as much as the travel itself. These encounters leave an enduring impression, akin to the memories of the trip itself.

The Destination: Phongtang Garden in Chomphu, Noen Maprang

The title "Noen Maprang" might seem broad, but my actual destination is Phongtang Garden, located in Chomphu Subdistrict, Noen Maprang District. I've been planning to visit this garden since last year. For those who want to visit, set your GPS to "Rak Thai Rom Klao Upathum School." Once you reach the school, you'll see numerous signs for Phongtang Garden, making it impossible to get lost. If you encounter a dirt road, you're on the right track. Continue driving for another 2 kilometers, and the entrance will be on your left.

I apologize for not taking a picture of the entrance.

Upon arrival, we explored the rooms. My room, Sunflower, was booked for 650 baht, including two meals, and had a shared bathroom. Here are the details of the other rooms: For bookings between March and May, there is a 200 baht discount on all rooms that share the house with the owner. For example, my room was discounted by 200 baht from 850 baht. Camping costs 250 baht per person for bringing your own tent, 800 baht for a pre-pitched tent that sleeps two, 1000 baht for a room in the house that sleeps two, 1500 baht for the Treehouse that sleeps two, and 3000 baht for the Stargazing House that sleeps eight (excluding meals). Breakfast and dinner cost 150 baht per person for two meals. An extra bed costs 500 baht per person.

I walked over to write the name of my page on the concrete wall, which had already been written on by many people before me. I was waiting for my friend who was driving from Bangkok. However, I was exhausted from riding my motorbike in the sun for 3-4 hours, so I had to take a nap. I only slept for ten minutes before waking up and eating the instant noodles that my friend had made for me. In the evening, I took a serious walk around the accommodation to take pictures.

My friend's actions today have shifted my perspective. He brought his mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, along with him. Witnessing their interactions, the hugs, the kisses, the playful moments, brought a flood of memories of my own mother. While I've seen countless examples of filial piety in the news, today's experience resonated deeply as I observed the genuine love expressed in every gesture.

"The world we inhabit is but a speck in the vastness of space, and we ourselves are mere specks upon this world. Yet, love's immensity defies all measure." - Tanakit.

I miss my mother, I miss today's journey, I miss 60 kilometers per hour on the country road, I miss the loneliness of traveling alone and humming the song "Road" by Ocean China. I'm starting to feel lonely, as much as the wind that hits me, and I park in a quiet place. I light a cigarette that I've never been able to quit for many years. The smoke is quiet under the shade of the trees, sometimes swaying with the wind and the white smoke. The sun is slowly setting, and Uncle Dam calls us to eat.

Whenever I travel, I am fortunate enough to enjoy delicious food at various accommodations. These experiences often trigger memories of similar dishes I have savored in Bangkok, reminding me of the culinary delights I encountered during my travels. (The food was truly exceptional, Uncle Dam!)

:: Morning for me is like the word "Restart". It's the start of a new day and it's forcing myself to wake up to see what the city doesn't have. Every time I come here, I never wake up late because the profit will be a loss. There are many things to see in the morning, like the guy in the picture who I thought I woke up before him, but he woke up at 3 am. I wanted to ask him, "What are you doing up so early?" :: This morning I didn't take many pictures, but I chose to sit and watch... a bird that I don't know the name of, a squirrel that Uncle Dam told me about, and I immediately searched Google out of curiosity.

"I sat still, as the light gradually flooded the space below. The sea of sunlight was as beautiful as the real sea."

My friend and I chatted for a while before we parted ways for the day. He wanted to sleep under the stars and camp at the same spot, while I decided to move to a house on stilts 40 kilometers away. My friend actually enjoys camping alone, just like me. He sent me pictures, and I told him his car looked great. I set off around ten in the morning, the weather... well, it didn't seem to matter that it was only ten in the morning. I drove at 40-50 kilometers per hour, stopping occasionally to take pictures or rest. Setting up the camera to take a picture took a fair amount of time, so stopping to admire the view was easier and felt more refreshing than looking at pictures on a computer.

A 40-kilometer journey that took 2 hours, with no rush or hurry, just a leisurely pace despite the scorching sun. This kind of profit is rare for a city dweller like me. I know what awaits me when I return: wake up, shower, work, repeat. Fortunately, I enjoy my work. While I don't love it as much as traveling, it feels like I'm only working half the time. As someone once said, "If you do work you love and enjoy it, you'll never work a day in your life."

:: After a long journey, I finally arrived at my destination for the night: After Him Cafe & Homestay, located in Ban Mung Subdistrict, Noen Maprang District. Just type the name into your GPS and you'll be there in no time. :: I took a moment to rest before heading up to my room, taking in the stunning Guilin-like scenery. However, the Kenyan-like heat was relentless, making me sweat profusely. Feeling famished, I ordered a hot Ovaltine with meatballs. Just as my senses were about to be overwhelmed, I switched to a cold Ovaltine. Let me tell you, the Ovaltine here is absolutely delicious, and the ice is perfectly chilled.

I returned to my room on the second floor. It had two bedrooms and a central living area. The smaller bedroom could sleep 2-3 people, but could actually fit 4. The larger bedroom could sleep 4-6 people, but could actually fit 7. I paid 300 baht for the room, which included breakfast. I could order anything I wanted from the owner, but I didn't have any specific requests, so I let her choose. I'm not picky about food.

For 300 baht, I also got a view of the limestone mountains in front of me. Oh, I wasn't excited… fire ants were biting me. After scratching, I looked at the view again. Wow, it was worth it. It was okay in the hot season, but I wonder how amazing it would be in the winter.

The scenic views of Guilin and the Kenyan air were short-lived. I went upstairs to sleep, but the heat and two fans blowing hot air made it impossible. I was drenched in sweat and felt increasingly exhausted. Ten minutes of sleep felt like torture. I went downstairs and ordered a lime tea with meatballs, just like before. I had to wait another two hours before I could rent a bicycle to take pictures. The rental fee was 30 baht per hour or 150 baht for the whole day. Since I was the only customer, I managed to bargain the price down to 50 baht for the evening. The owner kindly agreed to my request.

At 4:00 PM, I couldn't bear sitting any longer. I grabbed my bicycle and rode off, unsure of my destination. I just kept riding, taking photos of anything that caught my eye. The first photo was of a towering limestone mountain that seemed to block my path. After riding for a while, I saw smoke. I imagined it was morning mist, but it was actually my own sweat. The further I rode, the more often I stopped to admire the beautiful scenery, despite the strong sun. I photographed everything in sight, the sound of the shutter echoing in the silence. It was so quiet that I could almost hear my own heartbeat. As I continued riding, I realized I was lost. I started asking locals for directions to the cave, but it wasn't on the road I was on. I had to turn around and ride back to the main road to open my GPS and search for "Wat Ban Mung" to get to the cave.

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I have arrived. The bay doesn't look like the pictures. Of course not, I'm in the wrong place. My destination is the Tham Pha Ta Phon Wildlife Sanctuary. I guess the sun is so strong that I'm completely disoriented. As for the cave at Wat Ban Mung, it's a cave where you can only admire the beauty from the entrance. Even if I could go in, I wouldn't dare because I'm scared of being alone. The temple is also quiet. I haven't seen anyone except for 3 other tourists who are far away. I'm cycling around the temple, taking pictures, feeling both brave and scared.

Lost and unsure of where to go, I decided to return to the homestay and wait for over an hour to witness the highlight of millions of bats. To make the most of the wait, I cycled to a nearby restaurant to buy dinner. I managed to get two dishes, but they were out of rice. Fortunately, a kind lady, who seemed to be related to the homestay owner, bought me some rice. I am very grateful for her help.

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Satiated, the bats still hadn't arrived. I began to feel drowsy and my back ached, as is typical for someone approaching old age. I went to lie down in a hammock to wait for the bats, and I dozed off for a bit. The bats still hadn't emerged. They must have been discussing waiting until more tourists arrived before putting on a show. I didn't stay idle. I grabbed my camera to capture the atmosphere as the warm orange light began to bathe the charming little village.

The number of tourists has increased, and I can hear the clanging sound. Is Batman here?

Rain fell at 4 am.
The weather was good and happy.
This morning I was stuck in bed with my pillow.
Until I was satisfied..

Other trips

: Good for both Sangkhla and Pompi. Oh, oh, yes, yes.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttps://pantip.com/topic/36122720

: Mother, everything passes through the heart.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttps://pantip.com/topic/37101274

If you love your ox, tie it up. If you love your child, discipline them. If you love your lungs, go to Khao Kiri Wong.

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden texthttps://pantip.com/topic/36455753