The Thai people do have a lot of pride and respect for their Royal family. Every shop, restaurant and bus has pictures of them, and judging by today, everyone (apart from confused Farangs like us) stands as the national anthem gets played in the morning.
Our journey today, as always, involved a variety of modes of transport. The late departing train made up for it by having a stewardess dishing out food (it was 2nd class carriage too). Some poor unsuspecting grandma and grandpa samlor (rickshaw) drivers pedalled us and our huge backpacks to the bus stop for 50p (I felt like asking if I could do the cycling). Our bags were squeezed on to the bus for the ride to New Sukhothai where a Songathew/pick up truck took us to the old town.
Leaving the town exploration until tomorrow, we called in at the one stop Coffee Cup restaurant – beer, food, cheap internet, massages and travel agent under one roof, with friendly staff too!