I dragged my only luggage along the Sukhumvit Road (I can almost pronounced it now…). I said goodbye to N during the skytrain trip. I passed the Emporium and the queen’s park. Memories came up like old movies only this time I’m here alone physically and mentally as well.
photo from Baan Sukhumvit Soi 18 website
I should have got off the skytrain one stop earlier as I found Soi 18 is only 3 minute walk from the ASOK station. The downside of traveling alone is you don’t have anyone to share the traveling cost, eg. accommodation, transportation and the FUN of carrying the luggage by yourself up and down the skywalk.
Only later I realized a shortcut to save myself from doing weight lifting with my 14 kg luggage. There is a building (couldn’t remember the name, but it is connected to the skywalk to the ASOK station) near the station. Remember to go into the building and take the escalator downstairs if you happen to stay in Soi 18. It would save you heaps of time and effort!
Soi 18 located in a shabby lane (I’m sorry to say that but it is true) but once you got in the hotel, there’s not much to complain about. They have an elevator (it is very important since I once uplift my luggage alone for 5 floors in Prague) and my room is in the 4th floor.
The room is clean and in a just right size for me. The view, well, don’t expect anything grand but the quality is generally satisfying. They offer free wifi and breakfast is included.
While I’m waiting for the check-in, a Chinese elder came to assist me with the luggage. He asked me if I’m from China and I said no. He reminds me the stereotypical Asian roles in most Western movies, polite and humble. He said he just arrived the country and he came from 廣東, the southern province of China.
From his eyes, I see homesickness.
The manager is very nice and helpful. In general, I’ll recommend this place to budget travelers.
