New Years Eve, we move to Ubon Ratchatani.

First bus is jam-packed.

"Today all full!" the vendor says, trying to sell his tickets. 

We asked others earlier. We pay on the bus.

An hour passes. A bus shows. People usher us on.

The vendor runs over, red in the face. "Buy ticket!" I straddle the entrance unsure if there will be seats. Ethan returns, wallet lighter.

Our seats: plastic stools in the aisle.

Ethan runs back. Not the vendor's problem. Ethan wants to punch him.

Greedy bus companies: less, larger and more expensive seats.

Two hours in, we sit comfortably.