So with luggage still stored we're heading down memory lane and another virtual trip. I'm excited to share this one with you for it makes me smile. Now, at least, in hindsight and from the safety of home. Then, not so much.
It all takes place in Thailand a handful of years ago.
Here's what it's like to stand just slightly on the wrong side of the law in a foreign country...
Just prior to a visit to the Royal Palace in Bangkok a local warned us about littering. I suppose he'd seen foreigners littering and knew of the repercussions. However, having grown up in Canada and lived through anti-littering campaigns it was the last thing on my mind. However, cigarette butts weren't. Not that I'm a smoker but at the time one person in our group was and what better place to dispose of a butt but a sidewalk grate?
Not!
Ten minutes later what looked like a bus shelter that contained a desk on the edge of a busy pedestrian sidewalk took on a whole new meaning as we stood dutifully before the Thai policeman. When asked our country of origin I noted that his smile slipped when we said Canada and his finger trailed down the list. It appeared, and this is only a guess, that the fines were country of origin specific. We walked away $60 lighter and a new addition to our list of rules on what littering really means.Oh, did I mention that on that day too, the King of Thailand was on a nearby visit. In the process, the limo stopped suddenly barely missing running over someone in our small group.
It was a day made for entries in the book "What Not to do When Overseas."
Live and learn.
Ryshia
(and the ticket - that has become a travel souvenir or should we say badge of honor?)
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