GOOD TRAVELS GONE WRONG

Cheers all,

This is not a post I had hoped or planned to make at any time during my travels, or my life for that matter, but alas, here it is. Two weeks ago, 22 October, I brought some problems upon myself here in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It started out quiet enough, walking through the night bazaar drinking Thai whiskey and coke, then off to a few bars for a couple beers. By the time the mid morning came around, I was pretty out of my mind, and not so aware of it. So when we came across a motorscooter parked with the key in the ignition, I went for a joyride. I can't really say I though it would be this or that, because I don't really have a sober thought in me at the time. Anyway, I rode around the block and back to my Guest House, a few blocks away, where I was promptly confronted by the owners and the then police, and arrested for stealing the motorbike. I tried to explain I had no interest in stealing in, that I was drunk and just, stupidly enough, went for a ride, but it was to no avail. I was handcuffed, taken to the police station, questioned, and then tossed into the cell.

This was about 5am or so by now. Around 1030am by friend Niall found me at the police station. I still had no idea what the whole affair was going to entail. Later that day, one of the police men there told Niall I should be out within 2-3 days. More questioning that night. The next day, Sunday, I found out I might be in a bit more of a tight spot than I imagined. Monday this was confirmed, as I talked to a Kiwi lady, Katherine, who works in a prison outreach ministry for foreigners in Chiang Mai. She gave me the straight scoop, and I knew I was going to need a lawyer.

Alrite, I'll cut out a good bit of the time here, as I will post it in detail sometime in the next few days. Last Thursday, 13 days later, I was about 10 minutes from being taken to the prison and locked up until the case went to court. Thankfully, and in answer to loads of prayers, my lawyer secured my release on bail at the last moment, so now I am out on bail, awaiting the court case.

As it stands now, the court action should start up sometime late November early or early December. The options in the court case range from me being sent home, i.e. deported, to spending some time in prison here in Chiang Mai. The uncertainty and lack of transparency prevents any reasonable analysis at this point. Its pretty tough to put to words the shame, embarrassment, and disappointment (in myself) that I feel at this point. But 13 days in the hole gives you a bit of time to think, and I've got my head in one piece. At this point, I am praying and trusting in God, that everything will work out for the good. And there are lots of others doing the same. I do appreciate your thoughts and prayers while I work through this. I had quiet of stack of emails awaiting me last night, many of which, ironically enough, wished me safe and happy travels. As I'll be having some spare time now, I will work on getting back to all of you individually. I will put the details of this whole affair on the blog sometime, and will keep you all posted on any developments. All the best to everyone. Blake