A BEAUTIFUL MISTAKE

I am definitely a commuter. That’s what I do more than just saving fares. Few reasons, it’s kind of boring taking a taxi all the time. And also, it makes me dumb not knowing at least few streets or hems in the city. 

This is just my conclusion.

I am a commuter for sure. But it doesn’t always guarantee a smooth commute. I get lost at times, but that’s part of it. I always expect to get lost anyway – but not when I am in a hurry or tired. I don’t mind walking and wandering around though - not when I am in mega city such as Bangkok, and the like.

To make a mistake is unavoidable circumstance, but that’s when I get to a right place the next time around. Funny it seems, but making a mistake is also a precious thing to treasure. Like this one I had last weekend, in Bangkok. Yeah, it was a beautiful mistake. 

For many years, I usually stayed with my team during the tournament – it means I had less commutes or no commute at all. But I decided to get away this time to a faraway area where commuting was a must. It was for a practical reason since it would only take me 45 minutes to get to my destination. 

I did!

Not that I am unfamiliar with this long road of Sukumvhit, it was about taking the right bus going to the field. Anyway, I took bus number 59 to Ari station from the crowded place of Khaosan.

My first attempt was smoothly perfect. Not to mention few discoveries along the way. Thanks to a Frisbee friend for the instructions and directions.

Sunday, after the championship game and the awarding, I had to go back to my guesthouse by bus. But then I had to ask my friend if I should take the same bus number. I left the field assured enough to hit the road again. After waited for 15 minutes long, the bus came with hopes being able to reach my destination right (forget about the traffic). 

Yes, it was the same bus number 59. The bus was filled with other commuters. It stopped and picked passengers along the way. It went through the same long road. I was still seeing signs and landmarks as much as I can remember. But something was just strange – no one pays and no one collects fare. It usually has a conductor. I am no new commuter in this city, and so I know.

I held my money in my hand for a long time. Now I had the feeling of a disaster. I had to ask before it would take me anywhere. I was tired and sores all over. I had to walk limping because my feet really hurt from playing too hard. I don’t think I would enjoy another wandering – not this time. I had enough already. 

And so I was right. The bus driver had to drop me somewhere because I took the wrong bus unfortunately. Only to find out there are two 59 buses around. I just have to read Thai to figure it out. Speechless! Thanks to an angel who speaks English and helped me find my way back. 

But why is it a beautiful mistake? Remember when I said I had few discoveries along the way my first attempt the other day? And one of those is the place where the bus driver has exactly dropped me. When I realized I was still in a familiar place, my heart overjoyed. I just had to walk long through a very huge over pass that connects three big roads. It was very uncomfortable but I got what I wished for earlier.

I have seen this area from a distance while commuting last Saturday morning. The place was fascinating and that captured my heart. “I wish I had time to go and take pictures.” I said beholding the scenery. 

And there I was!

The situation I had was compared to a feather tossed here and there but ended up at the right place still. That was the exact feeling I had. All I had to do was go with the flow. Instead of being mad about the situation - for one reason, I was so tired limping, I had my camera out and took pictures then.

I had fun!

This time I had to take another bus to get going. It was bus number 12. Again in hopes that I would be able find my way home. Not yet, for the bus dropped me on the other side of Khaosan road which I haven’t ventured yet. Thanks to these angels who were such a help. They are French volunteers, and students traveling in Bangkok for a while. And as we went through street after street to our destination, we got to know each other a little too well. 

This is when I said making a mistake is also a precious thing to treasure. Like this one – a beautiful mistake. If you are wandering around this time just enjoy it. You'll find your way!