The Free Rides Begin

Amm, Joe and their mother stopping at Thailand's largest dam.
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We have accepted a ride to Petchaburri with a pick-up truck that has pulled over and excitedly offered us a ride (this is VERY common in se asia... everyone hitches everywhere with everyone... don't worry, mom.)  We begin talking with our drivers, Amm and Joe and learn that they were sitting next to us at the Korean BBQ the night before.  They were among the many that were staring at us.  Amazing... now, they have offered to drive us to the train station in Petchaburri about a three hour drive.

sleeping ont he train.
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On the way we stopped at an elementary school, so that Amm could see her uncle.  Laureen and I entered a classroom filled with four and five year olds that were extremely excited about the farang (tourists).  There teacher invites us in, during naptime? The kids smile, greet us and then the amazing laughter began.  My brother has just entered the classroom and I am hearing twenty plus kids laughing as if they have just seen the funniest thing EVER!  They can't stop laughing at his body hair.  The teacher wants to pet it... the kids are amazed.  Interesting.

third class trains. our favorite way to travel. the stories that transpire.
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On our way to Petchaburri, Amm and Joe decide that we HAVE to see Thailand's largest dam.  So, we take an hour pit stop, snap some photos and share some laughs.

Petchaburri to Hua Hin... a late train that pulls into Hua Hin at about one in the morning.  Word to the wise... don't ever go to Hua Hin unless you are a forty year-old white man that has decided he's at that point in life where he wants many hookers for a cheap price.  What a place to get off the train at one in the morning and try to rent out a room for more than one hour.  Needless to say, we didn't stay in Hua Hin for more than one night.