I took the Airport Express AE2 from Khao San Rd to the airport, which is the easiest way to between the two points. I got to the airport early this time, so I didn’t have to run anywhere. There was a long line for check-in, but I waited and was the last person to check in. Then I figured out I can bypass the long immigration lines by going to the lesser known immigration area where the lines are half as long. My flight was delayed almost an hour, just like last time I left here. There are just too many takeoffs and landings for the runways to handle. But it does make you realize this must be the most important place in Thailand since tourism is the #1 industry here.
I landed in Shenzhen, China after 11PM and made it on the bus to the city about midnight. I realized I’d been spoiled in SE Asia with the amount of English everywhere when I saw my bus ticket only had Chinese on it and everyone only spoke Chinese. I just kept saying to myself the name of the bus stop, “zhu zi lin.” I heard the conductor say it and I got off. Next I had a long, dark walk to my hostel. I was so thankful for the compass in my watch tonight or else I’m sure I would have walked the wrong direction. I had a map of the area I saved from Google China Maps. I opened up my computer and double checked my location with a street sign, comparing the Chinese characters of the map. Normally I would just take the subway, but it doesn’t run in the middle of the night.
I made it to the Shenzhen loft hostel about 1AM. The door was locked, but they let me in. They said there were no dorm beds available, but they did have a private room (but for 3 times the price). I was kind of disappointed I walked so far (over 2km) and they didn’t have a cheap bed, but I had no choice.