After just one week in Thailand I have yet again fallen in love with a new country. Bangkok introduced me to the essence of Thai culture; markets full of fresh herbs, juices, steaming curries, flowers, and fish, endless golden wats (temples) cover the city and bald monks draped in bright orange robes spend their days on the path to enlightenment, neon signs saturate the famed Khao San Road where all the backpackers convene, sex tourism is overtly visible and I had to learn the hard way what a “ping-pong show” really is, and humidity has taken on an entirely new meaning for me. But all the while in this maze of culture and stimulation peace and harmony shine through with clearly the most wattage.
Four days was plenty of time in Bangkok before we were ready to head up North to the mountain village of Pai. We had to take an overnight bus from the city to Chiang Mai. Sleeping pills and DVDs helped the 12 hour ride breeze right by. The second part of the trip, a 4 hour shuttle up a winding road into the mountains was less than pleasant. As soon as we neared the village I felt a sense that I would like this place. Cooler air, less traffic, cheaper prices and an over all better vibe is what has attracted me to Pai. A scene of almost trendy ex-pats has taken over the night life scene, but the Thai culture still dominates in most other venues. We each have our own bamboo hut situated on the peaceful Pai river for a mere 4 dollars a night. My biggest decision of the day usually consists of whether to have red, green, or yellow curry for lunch.
Yesterday I spent the day riding an elephant bare-back and also swimming and playing with her in a river; climbing on her head, getting thrown off, sprayed by water with her trunk and hugging her around the neck, my body embracing this huge beast. What a highlight of my life! Tomorrow we will take a full day trek into the mountains to visit waterfalls and hill tribes near the Burmese border. The day after we will venture to a new city, Chiang Mai to celebrate the Thai New Year which is basically a massive water fight between millions of people. The celebrating has already started here among the village kids and it is impossible to walk down the street and avoid getting splashed with a bucket of water. I just had a Thai massage; was walked on stretched, cracked and rubbed by a tiny but strong Thai girl followed by the coldest, freshest squeezed orange juice I have ever tasted. After I sit in my river front hammock and read all afternoon I will join Megan and Corey for an evening yoga class. All in all, life couldn’t be much better right now.Until next time! Sewatdi pimaica, Happy New Year
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