As I finished my lunch of sliced potatoes and shredded cabbage, my guide, Emanuel brought in a plate of mangoes. He asked, “Are you okay with going to the peak today?”
“Yeah, no problem. When do we leave?”
“Let’s go in 30 minutes.”
The next seven hours tested me much more than I anticipated.
“Would you like some heating pads to warm your feet?” asked the Vietnamese lady in my team as she handed some to her friends.
“Sure, thanks”, I replied.
Given how my feet and fingers were already nearly numb, these were greatly appreciated. The coming night was going to prove challenging to get any sleep.
I swung the car door closed, waving as my friends drove away. Staring at Tha Pae Gate, an entrance to the old city, I debated when to call a taxi. I reached for my phone to check prices, but my pocket was empty. Quickly scanning the area, I was unable to find my phone.