I awoke quite early and, after breakfast at a combined restaurant and mechanic’s shop by the river, jumped on a truck-style taxi with wooden floors and benches along either side. The taxi took me to Old Town, where I began walking around the ruins. I was amazed that Chiang Mai drew so much tourism while this place drew relatively little. The ruins were impressive.

A few hours passed before I took shelter from the sun. I tried to read my book; however, the urge to nap was stronger.

I then walked back to the parking lot and jumped onto another truck-taxi, just in time for the rain. And did it rain! I was lucky to beat the storm downtown, but I still needed to exchange money before the banks closed. Immediately afterward, I ran to the guesthouse. Even though it was only a block and a half away, I was completely soaked. The rain didn’t stop, and for the next 30 or 45 minutes it pelted the guesthouse. The water kept rising: first the curb disappeared, then the first step of the house next door. Since I was preparing to depart, I boldly asked, “So, how do you feel about swimming to the bus stop?”

Luckily, the rain stopped and the water almost magically disappeared. I spent an hour walking to the bus stop, both to see how long it took and to take in the sights along the way. Since I arrived very early, I spent the next few hours reading. At 10:40pm, I boarded my bus for Bangkok and said goodbye to Sukhothai.