In Uttaradit, the market offered fresh green leaves and a few
vegetables. Just past the town, another petrol station offered a shop,
restrooms, and a grassy area. Though I could have used a proper
shower, a quick wipe with a damp cloth had to suffice.
Supper was noodles instead of rice, which I had bought pre-cooked at
the market, accompanied by vegetables in coconut cream.
Uttaradit - Phitsanulok - 107 kilometres
On this day, all the wooden furniture and other types of stalls were
replaced by fruit vendors, including watermelon, which we found
irresistible. We devoured an entire watermelon at a shady bus shelter,
enjoying its deliciousness as the weather became warmer the further
south we ventured.
I dreamed of a shower the entire day, and Phitsanulok didn’t
disappoint. The "London Hotel" provided inexpensive rooms with
shared bathrooms. Although no hot water was available, one could
hardly call tap water in Thailand cold. I didn’t care, as I desperately
needed a shower, especially after cycling for four days in the same
outfit. The cold weather days were long gone, and the rooms only
had fans with no blankets—electric blankets and thick duvets felt like
a distant memory. It’s incredible how quickly things change.
After a refreshing scrubbing, I ventured out to the plentiful food
carts. The night market featured a maze of covered stalls offering
delicious-looking dishes. I bought various items, but upon closer
inspection, most contained meat, so I passed them on to Ernest, who
hadn’t yet been to the market.