Vagabonding is an attitude–a friendly interest in people, places, and things that makes a person an explorer in the truest, most vivid sense of the word. – Rolf Potts

It seems as though I’ve been on the move quite a bit, and today is no difference with another long haul, even with having the luxury of a short flight versus the long bus ride south to Surat Thani. While my flight is not scheduled to takeoff until 6:45pm, I’ve decided to head to the airport early since there have been ongoing demonstrations in the capital that have caused some havoc in the city with roadblocks from demonstrators and has even brought a fair amount of violence between protestors and the police. After receiving a much-needed full night’s sleep in a proper bed, I say my farewell to Bart and board the minibus bound for DMK just after 12pm. The typical fare for the minibuses to the airport, regardless of which one is 120THB ($3.65), and after several stops picking up more passengers until every seat is taken, we arrive at Don Muang Airport. Unfortunately, check-in for domestic flights is restricted to two-hours prior to the departure, and I was hoping to post up at a coffee shop or restaurant and do some writing, but electrical outlets are unavailable and I find myself with more than three-hours to kill. It’s the game of hurry-up-to-wait, which coming from my days in sports broadcasting I’ve learned this fine art. Once I’m able to check in for my flight that cost 816THB ($24.82) I’m surprised with the new that if I want to check my bag it will be an additional 900THB (27.37). Awesome. Unknowingly at the time, this is the first of two ways that Air Asia gives it to me, the second was them trifling through my checked backpack and stealing my Leatherman and REI crumple sack.




