But BEFORE we got on the train to Malaysia …

I almost forgot about this part. Dammit.

So, in order to get on the train to Malaysia, one must travel very far south into the not-so-stable border states of Thailand.

I snagged a little bus van thing, packed to the brim, for the uncomfortable ride down from Krabi. We had ordered train tickets online, so we asked to be dropped right out front of the train station.

They literally drop us on the side of the road, and we hop out. Van drives away.

As I struggle to find the tickets to check the train time, I realize that they are in my wallet. In my purse. Which is NOT on my shoulder.

I had stuffed it into a shelf in front of me on the van. And failed to retrieve it upon exiting the vehicle.

EFLJH*&!@)*MKJFO(*&$@)(U#@*&*& T!!!!

This could possibly be the WORST place and time to loose a passport. And all of your money. And other forms of identification.

I look up at Adam, scream about my purse and start running down the dirt road. He yells at me to drop my backpack. I dramatically chuck it down and get a move on.

I’ve never ever put so much effort into a sprint in my whole life. I was in the middle of the road, dodging tuk-tuks, motorbikes and cabs. Drivers honked, cheered me on and stared.

I caught up to the van as it got stuck in the turn lane. Just as it entered the intersection, I pitched my water bottle into the back window.

The driver just slowed a second and kept driving. But it was enough for me to catch up and start POUNDING on all of the windows.

Everyone still in the van looks on, terrified, as I slide open the door, grab my purse, and walk away. Without saying a word.

Observing tuk-tuk drivers gave me the thumbs up on my walk back to the corner.

And THEN we had lunch and got on a night train. To Kuala Lumpur.