Chiang Mai...Day 5

Ahhhh, woke up refreshed and ready to go! So glad I went to sleep. I must have passed out into a super deep sleep because I didn't even hear Lili come in.

I woke up around 9 and decided to go in search of breakfast. I didn't have to look far. The hotel restaurant had a full buffet with eggs, ham, toast, potatoes and other things that I was not hungry enough to get to. I ate and then got bored so I went back up into the room, took another shower, packed my bag, watched a few movies and then was ready to check out. Lili skipped the breakfast part but managed to get through the rest, haha.

I got the story of the rest of the night. Apparently everyone was up until all hours being drunk, silly messes. While I half-wished I could have joined, I was glad for the sleep. We walked downstairs and found the rest of the group sitting on the patio. Eventually some people had hangover food, some of us had iced coffee, Corianna had a book of crosswords out and we sat around for hours having a grand time. I suppose I should have explored more but I went to Chiang Mai for the night bazaar and to ride an elephant so...I got what I went for.

Eventually we all took off for the train station. Turned out we were getting on an afternoon train rather than a night train. We explored the area around the train station a bit but eventually just got on. Some of the group went for a smoke, but as neither Lili nor I smoke (nor would anyone want to after seeing the Thai cigarette packages) we grabbed our books and read.

The porter came around a few hours later and put the beds down. I climbed into mine, read for another hour or so and then fell asleep.

I really do love trains!

Chiang Mai...Day 4

I don't think you can even contemplate the level of disgust I have for myself right now...

Okay, beginning, I know.

We woke up in the morning and had our usual breakfast (eggs, tons of toast, some strange excuse for jelly that is more like donut filling, and water) and packed up our stuff. NONE of us had slept well. We had slept on the floor with a thin banket underneath and some dirty pillows for our heads. Then we were woken up by dueling roosters (who can crow loudest? REALLY????) and all had the strong urge to go rooster hunting with slingshots. The roosters were saved by hunger pangs though.

I have to say that Pip and I learned an important lesson. We kept wondering why Thai people looked at us while we were eating like we were crazy. Turns out, you aren't supposed to eat the rice with your meal! It's supposed to top it off so you get full. We experimented with this idea on the last night and discovered the the rice explained a lot of why we seemed to have no problems with Thai food. Also why in all of those pictures the girls appear to be pregnant. Rice bellies.

Anyway, we went down to the river (the same dirty one we had "bathed" in and saw that our bamboo rafts we assembled and waiting for us. They divvied us up into groups of four and put us on the rafts, each with one of our guides. I was on one with Tim, Diane and Luke with Rambo as our fearless leader. Literally. Rambo went a little stir crazy. I think he fancied himself to be Captain Jack Sparrow. He kept trying to knock us into the water. Poor Luke fell in twice!

For three hours we slowly drifted down the river. NOT very exciting at all. At one point it rained. Luckily all of our backpacks were covered in ponchos. Eventually we gave up and jumped in and swam around (hey, I was pretty dirty anyway, right?). It was probably the least exciting part of the whole thing. While it was not strenuous at all, it was instead tedious and boring. We did see some wild water buffalo along the way. That was kind of cool, but since I was afraid for my camera's safety I didn't get to capture the Kodak moment. Shame.

We eventually got to the end of our journey, a sort of rafting "truck stop" and got out. Everyone changed into dry clothes and we had some great Pad Thai. We walked on a bit and then saw a very welcome sight...OUR TRUCK!!!

We piled into the back on our way to civilization. On the way we saw some more people riding elephants but it was pouring rain on them. I am beginning to think that the Buddhist nun's blessing has brought us some seriously awesome luck.

Eventually our truck stopped at a gas station to refuel and we got out to walk around and buy snacks. Ahhhh, chocolate!!! Ice cream!!! We all got some goodies and sat around for a bit. I think we were in disbelief that we were actually not hiking anymore! Then we all piled back in and made our way back to the hotel.

Okay, I don't even want to know what the concierge thought of us as we tramped in. I'm sure we smelled lovely. A nice mix of dirt, sunscreen, bugspray...we were gross. We all got our bags out of luggage storage and opened the security boxes where our passports and various other valuables were stored. Then we got our room keys and went off to our rooms to shower up. We agreed to meet in the lobby that evening so we could all go out to a local restaurant that generally only Thai people go to. Better food, better prices that way.

I got in the shower first. An hour later I got out, finally satisfied that there was no more dirt coming out of my pores. I washed my hair at least three times, conditioned for 5 minutes, scrubbed at least twice and then just enjoyed a cold rinse for a bit. Lili did the same. I am actually disgusted with how dirty I was. I mean, we TRIED to stay clean!!!! Then again, we all know I am not a very outdoors-y person.

It seemed to be an unspoken pact among all of us that we would dress up that night. Everyone showed up downstairs in dresses, skirts, polos and khakis. We all smelled heavenly. Actually we were quite a presentable group once cleaned up!

Chai, Dong and Rambo then led us to the restaurant. The menu was mostly not in English, the waiters did not speak English...our guides took care of everything though and pretty soon we were sitting amongst a sea of cocktails and Thai food. Go figure. Funny how we were all on the trek together but we talked about it through dinner. Then everyone agreed that we should go to the bar.

Dong led us to the rooftop bar which was a trip in and of itself. The music was techno, but the decor was psychedelic. All of the sudden a wave of tiredness hit me like a truck. I didn't even finish my drink before I was ready to go (staring off into space and all is really not all that fun) so back to the hotel I went.

We have almost a full day in Chiang Mai tomorrow before we take a night train back to Bangkok...

Chiang Mai...Day 3

Well, apparently today was the day from hell. It wasn't terrible though. Well, looking back at least.

Today's walk started with a trek uphill. STEEP. It was not very fun. Luckily our guides take their time. They stopped to make us hats out of leaves (we'd all gone a bit crazy at that point) and to take lots of pictures. When we finally got to the top, the view was breathtaking.

After that it was a slower incline and then a lot of downhill. Honestly? I very much prefer the uphill. Downhill makes me feel like I am going to fall, which I have to say is not a very comfortable feeling.

We stopped at a small dwelling after awhile. Lili went off with part of the group to pick vegetables. I stayed back with some others. Our cook, Rambo, climbed a tree and picked fresh mangoes. He peeled them and cut them up for us. I was totally glad I didn't go pick veggies because the mango was delicious. It was NOTHING like the mangoes you get in the states. It was sweet, juicy and soft. Very much like a peach. Mmm, delicious.

Eventually, after the steepest downhill of them all, I spotted the part of the trip that got me through all of the killer trekking...ELEPHANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We'd made it to the elephant station. We all stopped and took our time there. We had lunch of stew that tasted like Ramen noodles (at that point I would have eaten whatever Bear Grylls handed to me) and were slowly getting back our energy. So I don't seem incredibly lame, let me just say that we had been hiking through the mountains for hours at this point. Not exactly an easy task.

We asked if we could do anything and they told us that we were more than welcome to go wash the elephants. A few of us got in the river with pans and splashed the elephants down. They really are amazing creatures. Very tough skin but they have hair all over them (sparse, but all over) and you could kick one and I doubt they would even feel it. They are also very gentle. Well, almost all. The baby (6 months old) was incredibly cheeky and had to be constantly chased away with a stick.

Lili bought a bushel of bananas (which are not like bananas we are used to, they have a bit of a hard center) and the baby elephants chased after her until she'd fed it almost all of them. And he ate them, peel and all!!! Then a big elephants kept sticking his trunk out so i fed him a few banana peels. He would take them in his trunk and then put them in his mouth. So cute!

Eventually it was time to board the elephants and let them do the work for a change. As cool as it was it was totally one of the most uncomfortable rides of my life. I totally thought I was going to fall off several times! Still, I wouldn't trade that experience for ANYTHING! I mean, I freaking rode an elephant!

So as we went downhill, Lili and I found out that our elephant was the baby elephants mother. And Corianna and Maya's elephant was its father. Talk about family drama. We we really far behind the rest of the pack. Then we had to stop because the baby needed to feed (from our elephant of course). Then the baby heard a dog and lumbered off after it. Of course Mama Elephant had to protect her offspring and when crashing through the jungle with me and Lili screaming. Craziness!!!

Our elephants dropped us off at the bottom of the mountain where we walked a short ways to the next village which was significantly bigger than the last one. Despite the fact we were all tired and hungry we took a tour of the village and then watched as the boys played a game of soccer (hey, I'm American, it's soccer to me) with the local kids. It was pretty intense.

Turns out the village had its own boarding school. They also had a TV and solar panels for electrical power. Sweet. Eventually us girls decided it was bathing time. We were told that we should go bathe in the river because it was perfectly clean. First off, we came out WAY dirtier than when we went in. Second, the river had a super strong current. Oh well, at least we were refreshed I suppose. We made our way back to the cabin and snacked on some of the stuff we had bought from the market the day before. When dinner was ready we all ate ravenously!

After dinner we all sat around the candlelight and played Green Glass Door, celebrity letters, and told stories. One by one we all went to bed.

Rafting tomorrow...

Chiang Mai...Day 2

Well the night bazaar last night was pretty cool. We bought meal tickets and the whole group sat around and ate while they finished setting up the stalls around us. A band played in the background and we all got to try some crazy food! By the time we were done it was dark out and the market was in full swing. Lili and I still needed a few presents, backpacks and toilet paper.

Yes, toilet paper. Even the public restrooms here don't have it for you. I ALMOST found out the hard way...that would have been quite unpleasant.

After haggling for backpacks and whatnot we set off for the hotel on the other side of town. We took a tuk-tuk, who dropped us off right outside. Then Lili and I realized that we should probably hit up the 7-11 for last minute supplies. I also picked up some baby wipes...you never know.

We returned to our hotel and started packing. A couple changes of clothes, some toiletries, a plastic bag...and nothing else. Eek!!!

Next morning we woke up ready to set out on our adventure. Once again our whole group was piled into the back of a truck and we took off for the mountains. We stopped in a town before we got there so that our guides could get food for us (they'll be cooking the whole time). Everyone bought weird fruits and snacks and passed them around to try. We had some seriously good stuff (and some not-so-good, but hey...) and then it was time to go!

Our first stop was Mork-Fa Waterfall which our tour guide, Dong, informed us was the second most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. Cool. We got to play in it for awhile. The ground was really rocky and it hurt my feet so initially I wore my sandals. Then one came off and started floating away...quickly. I ran after it but must've slammed my digital camera into a rock along the way because I've cracked the screen. It still works though, so I am not terribly upset. Luckily I got the shoe. Phew!

From there we got in the truck and went to a roadside restaurant and had rice and curry. Really good stuff...but it was time to start the trek.

The truck dropped us off at some random spot...there was a narrow path leading up the hill. We started walking up it. Let me tell you, I am in fairly good shape but 90+ degree weather plus the beating sun and a steep incline...it's a test, that's for sure. Up, up, up we went through the jungles (where we saw some water buffalo, but mostly just cool scenery) until we finally made it to our hill tribe's village where we would be spending the night. Along the way our guides would show us bugs, fruits, and other things of interest. The coolest is that you can actually HEAR bamboo growing. It's the craziest thing but it's a pretty loud creaking noise that comes from the rapid growth of the bamboo trees.

Anyway, it turns out the village's main source of income is through their rice farming. And since it was the green season they were right in the middle of planting. As we scaled the rice paddy they allowed us to help plant some and some kids followed us around giggling and playing in the mud.

Then we went to the one room hut that they had arranged for us all to sleep in. No complaints. There was a pillow and a blanket for everyone and the beds were on platforms surrounded by mosquito netting. The guides let us help make the spring rolls for dinner. We made a ton. Fortunately dinner came pretty soon after because we were all exhausted and hungry. I have to say that I think the spring rolls were the best part. And highly addictive.

Everyone stayed up for a little while. Some people had a guitar and were singing. I sat with the guys and Pip and we had a few beers before throwing in the towel. Ahh, what a day...

Chiang Mai...Day 1

I'll never understand why more people don't want to travel by train.

We took an overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The conductors came around about a half hour after the train departed and put the beds down. I climbed into my top bed and passed out. I woke up refreshed and ready to go the next morning just as we were pulling into Chiang Mai. Excellent.

We got in a van with several other people and were eventually dropped off at our hotel. I am a bit peeved that we are staying at a hotel instead of a hostel. It really could have brought down the price of the tour by a great deal. Eh, it's quite comfortable so I can't complain too much. Plus we're only here for two nights (one at the beginning of the tour and one at the end).

Once we settled in our room we got a call from our trek leader who told us to meet them downstairs...time for the Chiang Mai adventure to begin!

We piled into the back of a truck with the rest of our tour group. It's a pretty good group. There are four people from Australia (Clare, Sharon, Tim and Diane), three from England (Pat, Pip and Luke), one from Germany (Rebekkah) and two other girls from the USA (Corianna and Maya). Our guides were taking us to a wat (the Thai word for a Buddhist temple) that was in Chiang Mai.
The wat was pretty impressive. It was at the top of a mountain. The truck dropped us off at the bottom of a set of stairs...306 to be exact...which people climb as part of how to show their devotion to Buddha. The stairs are "guarded" by two dragons that run up the entire length of the stairs. The scales are colorful and beautiful. There were some local children dressed in traditional clothing about twenty stairs up. We were allowed to take their pictures. Cute kids.

Finally we got to the top. If Catholics were made to do this in order to get to church...I bet a few less would actually attend. When we got to the top we took off our shoes and began to walk through the temple. There was a whole lot of gold there! It was really beautiful to look at. We learned about the seven positions of Buddha and about some of the different rituals Buddhists practice. We walked through admiring the art and sculptures. A Buddhist nun (male) blessed our group and tied string around our wrists for good luck. We shook out sticks to get our fortunes. We took pictures of the city of Chiang Mai (which actually lies at the base of the mountain) and with some other things around the temple.

After awhile it was time for lunch so we walked down the stairs and across a market, taking a seat in a small dining area. Lili and I ordered a dish that Chiang Mai is famous for...it's beef, yellow curry and crispy noodles. If you think that sounds gross you are totally wrong...it was delicious!

We left the mountain top on our way back to the hotel. Tonight we are going to a night bazaar...should be fun (plus Lili and I still need a few supplies!).