The following are two travel-related stories that seem hard to believe, but it turns out they are 100% true. Each story contains a lesson… and at least a couple of laughs.
What Not To Do On A Luggage Carousel
How many children do you know who would love to jump on an airport’s luggage carousel and go for a ride? Okay, now, how many adults do you know who would like to do the same? If you too have wondered what would happen if you took a spin on the luggage carousel at your local airport—here’s the answer: you would go to jail. Just ask Chris Jackson. The 23-year-old New Hampshire man decided to take a seat on the carousel and rode it out of the baggage-claim area and into a secure area of the Manchester, New Hampshire airport. In our post September 11th world it’s a ride you don’t want to take. Jackson later told local police he was just trying to have fun. Nevertheless, it would seem the joke was on Jackson because various newspapers reported he was arrested on a charge of criminal trespass, and was led off in handcuffs and placed in the back of a police car. He’s now free on $5,000 bail and has been ordered to stay clear of Manchester’s airport.
Not Quite A Hotel, Not Quite A Park Bench
Each year Thailand’s international horticulture show draws millions of visitors to the area. In fact, this year organizers estimate that more than 3 million visitors will attend the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 (the yellow, five-petaled Ratchaphruek is Thailand’s national flower), which takes place in the northern city of Chiang Mai until early next year. The event, being held in honor of the country’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is expected to strain the capacity of the area’s numerous hotels and guest houses, leaving some businesses to come up with creative ways to deal with the overflow crowds.
How this for creative: “Cheap and quiet accommodations near event grounds.” Sounds pretty good—if you like sleeping near the dearly departed. According to local newspapers, at least one Buddhist temple is opening its funeral hall to accommodate visitors to the horticultural show. The temple will allow guests to sleep in the same spot where religious rites for the dead are held before the departed are cremated–all for the bargain price of 20 baht or the equivalent of 54 cents per person per night. No alcohol is allowed on the temple grounds and guests must refrain from making noise.
So what is the lesson to be learned here? If you are attending Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2007, book your hotel room early.