M-whY

I've come across several travellers who share my opinion on this. One of the more common gripes is that it's nothing more than the experiences of one or two backpackers. When it comes to travelling, experience is one of the most overrated intangibles. (I'd apply this to life in general too, but that would be an exposition for another day.) Two people can travel on the same bus, go on the same routes, visit the same sights, and come away with vastly different impressions. And while sharing travel stories can be fun sometimes over a drink or two, I've come across people who believe that just because they've spent six months or twelve months on the road, they've become gurus who's every bit of advice should be written down and treasured.

This isn't specifically criticism of the Lonely Planet. If someone is looking for nothing more than to follow in someone else's footsteps, by all means, treat the LP as a Bible. If finding nightlife, cheap beers, and restaurants catered to tourists is the objective, I couldn't think of a better guidebook to use. However, in my opinion, if you're just going to follow a master plan, that sort of defeats the whole purpose of travelling. Guidebooks should only be used for the facts they provide, such as maps and transportation options, and not for their restaurant and guesthouse recommendations.

Anyways, to sum up my day, it was spent just wandering around downtown, cooling off in one of the dozens of shopping malls when the heat outside became unbearable. Nothing much happened. When I returned to Khao San Road at night, it was again the carnival atmosphere. I joined the pedestrian traffic, which was more lively than usual, being as it was the weekend. A pretty boring day by travelling standards.

Two more days til I get my Vietnam visa.

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!