Conrad – 3 out of 9 times? Man, you’re either very unlucky or the risk is a little higher that I first thought. Still, like you say, you can always reduce these risks and, well, maybe its true: some of these ‘losses’ could be for the better (so long as its not your passport or cash! haha). A very healthy and positive outlook you have there, and one that no doubt enhances your travels somewhat.

I guess that by travelling we are also accepting the slightly higher level of risk (although it may only be marginally so) but with risk comes reward.

Keep on truckin’, Conrad.

And gosh I miss it.

And yes, sometimes little Thai boys crawl through the luggage compartment while you are watching the dark Thai skies trying to sleep, and take what they like. It happened to me 3 times (in the 9? times i was in Thailand) and heard stories quite a multiple of it. So far I only missed a (dry battery) flashlight, a pair of wet O’Neill swim trunks (my fav, the pain!), and a small bottle of Sangsom. Things unworthy of stealing I thought , and I have to admit, I prob wouldn’t even have thought of them as stolen (just lost ,as things get lost when traveling) ifn’t other bus travelers missed much more valuable things after the trip, we all dazed in the early light, relieved by a quick tour to the rest room, gazing over a cup of coffee thinking what next.

Sure I felt some pitty over someones else grieve over the loss of a camera (with pics, the memories!), and sure as often I thought why the hell did you put your wallet and pasport in your backpack? Common sense, somehow it’s not that obvious, weird.

Anyway no tips from then the usual one: just keep your precious things close to you (also at the breaks and walk to the loo) and further, just relax when you find your fav Nirvana t-shirt or after shave missing after that bus trip to beach or town – maybe some change will do you good.

Cheers