Getting a Motorbike- "Watch Out, The Yellow Ones Don't Stop"

The title pretty much sums it up. Driving is no joke in this country and especially in Chiang Mai. I have ready many blogs saying "don't learn to ride a motorbike in Chinag Mai, it's not a place for beginners. Well I have no choice. My goal for Saturday was to rent a bike at a monthly rate and get a mobile for use here.

I went downstairs to the lobby at about 8:30am to see if I could get a hold of some coffee. I asked the woman at the front desk if the woman who speaks English was here. I drew a picture of what I needed and next thing I knew I had 5 min to get dressed and go. A man came with a mobile. I showed him the address of a reputable bike shop in town. He called and then handed the phone to me. The man on the other end said "4000 baht/ month" and I said "no, I have been told 2,000- 3,000." He said, "not at my shop, thank you goodbye." So I told the man who was helping me. He called his Thai friend to have him call the shop and see what price they gave a non- falang. It was about the same so we decided to just go to a nearby place. I walked outside with him only to discover all he had was a motorbike- no helmet for him or me. Note: Most Thai people DO NOT wear helmets on motorbikes. So I said a little prayer and hopped on. About 10 minutes later we arrived at an internet cafe/ bike rental shop. They pointed to an automatic- just happens to be pink. I agreed to the price of 3000 baht/ month although it was listed at 3500.

It took me about 30 min to really get the hang of riding. I practiced in a covered parking lot/ side street before I ventured out into traffic.

I got lucky- the Central Mall is right across the street from the bike place so I could get a mobile, french press, and everything else I needed. Well, across the street in Thailand is easier said than done. Most streets are one way and you have to go around to make a u- turn to get back to your destination. Despite being terrified I successfully drove to the mall with two rules in mind: They are out to kill you, and just assume you are invisible. Defensive driving is one way to put it. I am a good driver but this is all very different. When all was said and done I got everything I needed. The sight of Monks at the mall was a new one. Also learned that in public restrooms you have to pay 1 baht to get your toilet paper. Do this BEFORE you use the toilet. Lesson learned. I managed to find my own way home, In fact I was so excited to see the prison, yes I live next to a prison- next to a school, I passed it!

Found my way home again, came back to get my backpack and ride off to Rimping- the main grocery store in town. In the parking lot I ran into the man who helped me and turns out he is the husband of the cook here at my apartment. She didn't know how to help me, so she just called her husband who promptly arrived and was very helpful to me. When we were leaving the bike shop I offered to pay him and was confused when he refused. Made me wonder if he was getting a cut out of the deal. Turns out he is just a kind man.

I have found comfort in various things here. For one thing Thailand has lattes, which is more than I can say for Spain! I LOVE Coke Light and they just don't sell it in the states. You can get as many papayas and mangoes as your little heart desires. Listening to music helps to keep me grounded and I now have season 2 of True Blood. It's the little things.