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| EXPERIENCES |
Here are
some of our experiences, the facts we learnt by our mistakes & the figures that
I have taken from the detailed daily log I kept, during our 'Walk For Thailand'
in 1998.
We were traveling for 225 days and walked for 98 days through 32 provinces a
total of 3,063 kilometres. This is an average of 31
kilometres a day.
You will recognise many of the items below, from your own experiences, if you
live in Thailand!
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1. We stayed in 96 Hotels, 6 Bus Stop Salas, 3 Temples and received 8 nights
Free Accommodation from 'Supporters of Walking For Thailand'
2. The average price of Hotels - B270/night. The highest was B999 at the 'Suanthip
Vana Resort' (we were given a 50% discount on the B2,000 room price) and the
lowest was B100
http://www.suanthipresort.com
3. The Best Hotel - Le Meridien Hotel Baan Boran, Golden Triangle, ChiangRai. We
received Free Accomodation from The Management worth B10,000, with 'Special
Welcome Cocktail Party & Dinner' - Lovely - Thanks Guys! 20 people walked with
us, the next day to Chiangsaen - 12 kms away. They were the only people that
walked with us!
http://goldentriangle.anantara.com
4. Walking costs for 2 people - B1,000/day
5. I rated the Hotels on a scale 0 - 5. 0 = Terrible : 5 = Fantastic. The
average was 2.6
6. I set my alarm clock for 5.30 am, then wake William at 6.00 am. We leave by
6.30 am and find tea, coffee and are walking by 7.00 am -
'For Thailand'
7. We aim to walk 20 kms by Noon
8. We try to rest for 1 hour between noon & 1.00 pm - 'A Thai Custom'!
9. William is No 1. on odd days - I am No 1. on even days. Odd numbers are
'Lucky for Thai People'
10. William always walks in front
11. We walk on the Right Hand Side (RHS) of the road, facing the oncoming
traffic
12. I keep aware behind - for traffic overtaking - I can hear the engine noise
13. We are aware of cars overtaking ahead, as often traffic has to move into
where we are walking to let a vehicle through - 3 vehicles abreast!
14. We stop every hour (4 to 5 kms) for drinks, snacks. De-hydration is our main
enemy
15. We walk on the main highways as these have many villages and shops
16. William finds 95% of the money on the highway: B1, B5, B10, B20 & B50 notes
- total over B1,000 - his eyes are like a hawk - Amazing William! The best time
to find money on the highway is walking on a
full moon night - the coins sparkle in the moonlight - we found lots of coins
when we were walking, overnight, on 12th/13th Mar - from
Phang Nga to Khok Kloi.
http://www.escati.com/walking/padang_besar_to_phuket.htm
17. William protects me from dogs and snakes. He scares the dogs with his roar -
'Like a Tiger'
18. We see many dead snakes on the highway - some big ones too. William says,
snakes are more scared of us than we should be of them.
I wonder where the dead snakes' relatives are....waiting?
19. Many dead animals on the highway or beside the road, rot where they die. The
stink is awful. There are no scavenger birds, it seems; maybe, the Thais have
shot them all!
20. We remove our caps when crossing bridges - to avoid losing them in the river
- from the wind caused by the traffic
21. William looks ahead, I view the countryside
22. It is magnificent walking at dawn and dusk - seeing the sunrise and sunset.
The views of the countryside, rice fields & mountains is spectacular.
23. The noises from the forest of the birds & the insects are amazing. Beautiful
butterflies & moths are everywhere.
24. William calls out to birds - they reply to his calls. One bird flew into a
tree above him!
25. We rest 20 mins in bus stop salas, especially on 'Odd Days'!
26. I eat a meal after 12.00 noon. William eats - all day. Just a snack - he
says!
27. I wear Buddha Amulets on a cord around my neck. They were given to me, by
Thai Friends & Monks I met during my walk. The Lord Buddha keeps a watch over
us.
28. We always 'Stop Walking and Respect' the "Thailand National Anthem" when we
hear it playing at 8.00 am and 6.00 pm every day.
29. We speak to every Monk, we meet, walking on the highway.
30. I'm always asking William questions - what's that crop, that flower, that
tree? He can answer about 80% of my questions!
31. We wave to villagers and people working in the fields.
32. We wave to oncoming buses and trucks.
33. We wave to VIP convoys.
34. We say hello at Police Boxes. The help from the police has been fantastic.
35. We greet & wave to all elderly people. They can remember people 'Walking in
Thailand' and often tell us so.
36. We explain the walk to everyone we meet. They are all amazed.
37. We wave to all the children & they all wave back very enthusiastically!
38. We meet as many people as possible.
39. We refuse ALL offers of lifts and explain why we are walking.
40. We Smile Lots and are Always Happy!
41. We tour on foot every Provincial Capital City - 32 to date!
42. Many people touch my legs - they have seen Farangs in the movies & on TV/DVD
and in buses - but have never met one. Am I for real?!
43. William reads many palms of hands and shows his Buddha Tattoos on his chest
to everyone!
44. When we ask for directions - most Thai people haven't got a clue. Distance
is measured by - 10 minutes by motorcycle!
45. We aim to walk between accomodation, but don't know where that is.
46. It's hard work walking on right hand turning bends - they have a steep
camber. You can nearly fall off the road!
47. We prefer dual carriageways (divided highways) as they are safer for us.
48. We don't like roadworks & construction - too much dust.
49. It's hot on the highway in the full heat of the sun & the heat from the
traffic. It's been up to 48c!
50. We walk at night (if we have to) only, before or on the full moon. We carry
a torch to warn motorcycles & traffic.
51. More motorcycles drive on the wrong side of the road, after dark. They come
from behind us!
52. Too many smokey vehicles, especially local buses.
53. Some taxi & minivan drivers are crazy. Bus & truck drivers OK. Driving
standards - South, OK - Central, worse - North, disgraceful, terrible.
54. We remove all rubbish (tyres, rubber, garbage, wood, glass) from the
highway, as we walk.
55. We rely on the stone distance markers on the highway for our kms walked.
Many new distance signs are not accurate. The stone kilometre markers are at 1
km intervals and seldom wrong. In Sukhotai they are at 2 km intervals.
56. I pace the walk at 33 paces for 25 metres. So, 100 metres = 132 paces. 1
Kilometre = 1,320 paces. 3,063 Kilometres equals 4,043,160 paces. plus our
walking around 32 Provincial Capitals = 4 pairs of shoes each. (Over 5,000,000
paces, so far!)
57. Sleeping in bus stop salas is uncomfortable for me, with a boney body.
William carries a blanket for me. Concrete benches hurt me - I prefer wooden
benches, best. William carries a hammock & we buy
mosquito smoke rings, when we need them.
58. 40% of the hotels we stayed at were 'short time hotels' where rooms are
rented by the hour or more!
The Thais call them 'Longlam Maan Root'
59. I have a small towel, folded in half, over my shoulders to support my
rucksack on my left shoulder. I hold on to the end of the towel, to keep my
upper body rigid to save energy from 'swinging my arms' when walking. Most of
the weight - 5 Kilos - of the 7 kilos weight of my rucksack, is on my left leg,
as I broke the right one in 1996 & it is still painful. My left shoe wears out
before the right
one!
60. William swings his arms, like a monkey.
61. I call William - 'The Monkey'
62. He calls me - 'The Iron Man'
63. The People of Thailand call me - 'Mr Amazing Thailand' - They call us - 'Sood
Yot' - Number 1.
64. They all think we are crazy, but, also have and show us, great respect.
65. When we are walking, transport is ONLY available in emergencies or where the
Police inform us the highway is not safe to walk on. We walk everywhere. No
cheating.
66. Garbage, garbage everywhere, beside the highway, in the rivers, ponds etc.
67. Polluted ponds, streams in Ratchaburi from cattle, pigs effluent - what a
stink - walking.
68. "Why walk, when you can get a bus" is the usual comment from women.
69. When crossing a one-way street, always look both ways as often motorcycles,
don't obey the rules!
70. Beware of traffic lights on red - traffic turning left - against the light.
71. Never expect a motor cyclist to give a walker - the right of way.
72. Never expect a motor cyclist to do the obvious, safe things.
Girls are the worst, they rarely, even see you!
73. Give all traffic, everytime, the 'right of way' - they are not used to
seeing people walking and get confused.
74. "You must be very poor to have to walk" - so, you can wait for me - in my
big mercedes. On hire purchase? A non-performing loan? Your wife's car?
75. When crossing a bridge, always look behind when walking off the bridge in
case a motorcycle is approaching from behind on the wrong side of the road.
76. We look at and inspect the tyres of vehicles - buses, trucks & trailers. Too
many are without tyre tread. How many road accidents are caused by old, worn out
tyres?
77. Always give way to vehicles, motorcycles turning into - exiting from -
roads, streets. they won't stop for you, even if you smile!
78. Watch out for holes in the road, especially on footpaths in towns. We've
seen pipes, nails, screws jutting out, to damage feet - especially on RHS
footpath on the road into Chumphon.
79. Beware of electric wires dangling from poles or lighting night food stalls
on roadside, footpath. The canopies of these have sharp ends at eye level. Keep
a sharp lookout!
80. Beware of electric wires close to the stairs on a footbridge - they are
often touching the walkway.
81. Never touch a cable to see if it's Live. You only get - one chance!
82. Watch out for cables across a road or footpath. Never step on them, you
don't know how well insulated they are.
83. It's often a real hazard walking at night, even in towns with street lights.
Often lamps don't work or are switched off - to save energy in a recession?
84. The standard of wiring in old Thai hotels and fire exit doors, mostly
locked, to stop guests leaving at night, without paying bill. We always
pay at check-in at hotel. It's amazing there aren't more hotel fires.
85. I always look for the fastest way out of an old Thai hotel, before I settle
to sleep.
86. We find hotels in towns, by aimimg for Bangkok Bank, via it's sign in the
sky. The bank always has the most central site in town with the main hotel
within 200 metres radius. It works 90% of the time. I ATM there at the same
time.
87. I carry a sum of B3,000 as a float.
88. We don't know, where the next ATM will be.
89. We don't carry a 'Lonely Planet' guidebook. We are not lonely in Thailand
and the book is too heavy to carry!
90. 'The Adventure' is not knowing what is around - the next corner.
91. Most windows in hotels have metal frames for security. You can't get in - or
out!
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Contents of Rucksack - Max weight - 7 kilos.
1. 1 spare cap with large peak.
2. 4 pairs socks + 1 pair worn (thin nylon socks)
3. 4 pairs underwear + 1 pair worn.
4. 4 shirts - drip dry + 1 worn.
5. 2 pair shorts + 1 worn.
6. 1 Pakhama + 1 worn.
7. 1 handkerchief + 1 in shorts pocket.
8. Wallet for money, British passport, British driving licence, innoculation
records, ATM card - Bangkok bank.
9. Walking for Thailand information sheets in Thai language.
10. 2 clothes pegs and spare shoe laces.
11. Eyegene for daily eye care.
12. Tiger Balm Muscle Rub - for aches & pains.
13. Nivea cream to keep feet soft, to avoid blisters.
14. First Aid kit with cotton wool.
15. Nivea moisturizing sun lotion - SPF 12.
16. Anti Diarrhea tablets.
17. Laxative tablets.
18. Shampoo (sachet) razor, small soap, toothbrush, talc (smallest size)
scissors, nail file, clippers, toilet paper, plastic hairbrush, alarm clock.
19. Canesten - for athletes foot. Germolene & anti-biotic cream.
20. Notebook, pen, pencil, stationery masters (for photocopying) 3 envelopes,
spectacles.
21. Personal cards plastic folder, address book.
22. 'Nelles' map of Thailand with kms details on main routes.
23. Provincial map of Thailand.
24. Torch for night walking. We buy batteries only when needed to keep weight
low. Torch uses 2 batteries at B9 each.
25. Phone card - to report walk to Escati for website update.
26. Polo mints, Kopiko, Fishermans Friend & sugar sweets.
27. At rest stops, we drink water, yoghurt drinks, sponsor & M sport. Also
Mirinda & Fanta beverages. We prefer Mirinda. we never drink Coca-cola or Pepsi,
when walking.
28. I eat banana cakes & Thai desserts.
29. Vitamin pills - TheragranM & Z-Bec - 1 of each a day.
30. I like Thai coffee with condensed milk - lots of it. Some provinces don't
drink coffee.
31. I pee when I get up in the morning and don't pee again till the evening. It
comes out as sweat, during the daytime. We drink lots of water in the evening
until our urine is a clear clour.De-hydration can kill you.
32. We never drink alcohol - beer, spirits, unless celebrating another 1,000 kms.
Then only 1 large bottle of heineken, between us.
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My memories of our walk in 1998 are many, but the things I miss, not walking at
this time, are the glorious mornings in the countryside - the clean fresh air,
the sunshine, the smell of the start of the day in Thailand. I've seen thousands
of beautiful temples,some stunning scenery and fabulous views. I appreciate this
glorious weather, compared to the weather in England!
But, my main experience is the way the Thai People are all bonded together by
the 'Common Thread of Buddhism' - they are not strangers to each other, as we
are in the West. This is further re-inforced by the 'Example and Leadership of
Their King and The Royal family' - it is this asset, that gives Thailand it's
unique identity in the World and which appeals to Foreigners who visit here. I
feel safe and priveledged to live here. I have great confidence in the future
'Prosperity of this Nation'
The recession was no more than the growing pains of an emerging adolescent. It
will be a stronger economy for the experiences of 1997- 2001. After that, the
'Tiger Will Roar' with the other Asian economies, including Japan.
I am honoured an feel humble to be permitted by the People, to 'Walk For
Thailand' - their response has been fantastic.
But, the real success of our walk has been due to the charisma of William - his
natural charm, sincerity and love for other people is visible and recognised by
all the people. We are a great team. I'm proud to have William with me and the
great support of so many, including you all there.
Sincerely,
Dennis Peacock FCA
Mae Hong Son |
| PUBLICITY |
OFFICE OF
THE PRIME MINISTER, GOVERNMENT HOUSE, BANGKOK.
27th April, 1998.
Personal Letter to: Mr. Dennis H. Peacock from His Excellency Chuan Leekpai,
Prime Minister of Thailand, 1997 -2001.
http://www.democrat.or.th
1. Mid-April 1998.
The Phuket Gazette - ...Around the Island - 'Walkers Taking Steps For Nation'
http://www.phuketgazette.net
2. 23rd April, 2541.
Padang Besar, Songkhla - Immigration - Overstay Fine - 42 days at B100/day =
B4,200.
http://www.thaivisa.com
3. 26th May, 2541.
Thailand Daily News - Internet - In Thai Language
http://www.dailynews.co.th
4. June 1998.
Metro Magazine - The Net - 'Walking On Line'
http://www.bkkmetro.com
5. July/August 1998.
Hua Hin - Cha Am Observer - Fancy A Stroll? "Walking For Thailand" with Dennis &
William?
http://www.observergroup.net
6. 9th August, 2541.
Mae Sai, ChiangRai - Immigration - Overstay Fine - 79 days at B100/day = B7,900.
http://www.chiangmai-immigration.com
7. 9th August, 1998.
Bangkok Post - Walkathon - 'Those Feet Were Made For Walking'
http://www.bangkokpost.net
8. August 1998.
Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS - 'Padang Besar - Night Bazaar - Songkhla, On Foot!
http://www.gmorning.info
9. August 2541.
Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS - Thai language of the above article.
http://www.gmorning.info
10. 1st September, 2541.
Chiang Mai News - In Thai Language
http://www.chiangmainews.co.th
11. 3rd September, 2541.
Thai Rath - In Thai Language
http://www.thairath.co.th
12. September 1998.
Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS - Good Morning Mae Sai - 'End Of The Line - Or Start
Of The Adventure?'
http://www.gmorning.info
13. 8th November, 2541.
Thai Rath - In Thai Language
http://www.thairath.co.th
14. 20th November, 1998.
Bangkok Post - Marathon Walk - 'Those Feet Were Made For Walking In All 76
Provinces'
http://www.bangkokpost.net
15. December 1998.
Good Morning Chiangmai NEWS - Good Morning Golden Triangle -'Hotel Guests Take A
Golden Opportunity'
http://www.gmorning.info
16. 12th December, 1998.
Bangkok Post - Sportsbag - 'Please Join Our Walk'
http://www.bangkokpost.net
17. February 1999.
Metro Magazine - 'Stride And Joy'
http://www.bkkmetro.com
18. April 1999.
Metro Magazine - 'Walk Don't Walk'
http://www.bkkmetro.com
19. 5th May, 1999.
The Vancouver Courier - 'Peacock's Paradise'
http://www.vancourier.com
20. June/July 2000.
The Bigchilli - intown - 'Dennis' magnificent feet'
http://www.thebigchillicompany.com/bigchilli.html
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