Hopelessness Sets In

We've had a very difficult turn of events these last two days. Only this afternoon did we finally get back in high gear.
It all started when we wanted to travel north to Chiang Mai (the "jewel" of Thailand). The overnight sleeper trains were highly recommended as being pleasant and scenic, but the first available booking was five days out. So we settled on a VIP government bus (since the private bus services were widely rumored to be unreliable and often unsafe).
But we were thwarted at every turn. No travel agency would sell us a government bus ticket. The cab driver we hired to take us directly to the bus station dropped us off at a travel agency instead (presumably to get a commission), then ditched us when we realized what was going on...
... So much later, we are on our way in a non-government 10-hour overnight bus.
The journey began well. There were reclining seats, onboard bathroom, free orange juice, and a video ("The Scorpion King" starring The Rock, dubbed in Thai - trippy!) There were even lacy neck pillows tucked in behind garishly colored window curtains, causing Shane to label it the "Whorehouse Tourbus on Wheels".
But then about 1 a.m. I awoke with a queasy feeling, as the double-decker bus jostled through the northern hills. Was it motion sickness? No, it was the dreaded "Bangkok Belly". (Could have been the mango shake, the pad thai, who knows?) The rest of the night was a gastrointestinal disaster I will not detail further:

Chiang Mai 6 a.m.
I am huddled limply amongst our bags on the floor of the bus station, while Shane makes call after call using his rudimentary Thai. Every guidebook hotel he called was full. (Guess I was overconfident in not booking ahead.) In desperation, we turned to the sole Internet terminal, where a hotel finder revealed only two options in the entire city (one at $435 a night). Shane booked the cheaper option, rounded me up, grabbed a taxi, and took care of me the next 24 hours. Much bedrest and 4 azithromycin later, I am 100% better.
After a little uncertainty, we have managed to secure other very cozy lodging for the next week, and are excited by what we've seen of the city so far.
Stay tuned, as the comeback kids ride again..