Joining the back of the queue I carefully read the sign to ensure I’m not stopped unnecessarily.
“Please empty pockets and place all items in the tray provided. Please remove shoes and place them in tray provided also. Please remove belt”.
The line of tourists and Nepali’s inch forward slowly, the security officer looking at each person like a potential terrorist. A monk in orange robes is escorted to the front of the line and is allowed to pass without checks despite the metal detector beeping furiously. I’m next. Emptying my pockets I place my wallet, passport, boarding pass and mobile phone in the tray provided. I’m wearing sandals so choose not to remove them. I’m asked whether I am carrying any sharp objects, liquids or weapons. I duly respond trying to sound courteous and respectful but it comes out sounding sarcastic – “uh oh”. I remove my iPad from my back pack and place it in a separate tray together with my pack. I slip off my belt throwing on top of my other belongings and watch them disappear into the darkness of the xray machine. A friendly looking guard standing on the other side of the metal detector ushers me forward, gesturing at me to raise my arms ready for a frisking. Stepping forward I pass under the metal detector with little fuss and stand face to face with the guard, my arms wide, he begins to move his handheld metal detector over my body. I keep a close eye on my belongings which still haven’t emerged from the xray machine – I wouldn’t want anyone to ‘mistakenly’ collect my things. I pass the second test and am ushered toward the collection area with a nonchalant nod of the guard’s head. I see my bag, wallet and iPad are unscathed and make for the collection area. But as I try to walk forward I trip and stumble a few paces. I look down and realize my trousers are around my ankles. Quickly pulling them up I hear chuckles from the security personal sitting behind the Xray machine. “Where is my belt? Did anyone see my ripped underpants? How embarrassing!” I smile but feel like a complete idiot as I struggle to put my belt back on and fasten the clip. Thank God I have brown skin as I don’t think anyone noticed my blushes.
It seems as though I’ve lost around 6 inches off my waist in less than 5 months. I’m quite pleased if I’m honest. I suppose the occasional bout of Delhi Belly and a short trek up to Everest Base Camp was all that was needed. I feel healthier physically and mentally, though I now have the inverse dilemma of my clothes not fitting. On numerous occasions my travel companions have commented on my trousers being far too baggy and t-shirts looking 2 sizes too big. It’s time for a new wardrobe and there is no better place for cheap clothing than Thailand!
finding | neel 