Chiang Mai

Good morning everyone...

So we are currently in Chiang Mai, north Thailand. Its lovely up here, lots to do and see. Back in Bangkok we booked a trek for two days up to the mountain, so we left for that a couple days ago.


So, 9.30 got picked up at the hotel, by a "Red truck" These things are like Tuk Tuks but bigger, basically a red pick up truck with all passengers squeezed in the back. There were ten of us on the trek; 2 Danish women who were both over 60, 5 Koreans, an american-Korean and us. Looking round the truck, i thought; "Oh dear..." Seeing as we were the youngest there, and noone was speaking a word of English. But after a while, the american-Korean girl, Sun turned out to be a laugh and translated between Korean and English. The old Danes spoke a little English as well. The tour guy was a legend as well so it turned out to be an awesome trip. We were dropped off at the Elephant ranch and were given lunch (rice and veg) then rode the elphants around the jungle, down to the river and back again. Was uncomfortable but awesome. The Elephants looked really grumpy but I reckon our one had a dry sense of humour and was splashing us at the river. Just subtly as well...she knew what she was doing.

Then we started our 3 hour trek to the top of the mountain (it took us 90 mins to climb Table mountain in SA last year, so that gives you an idea of the height) It was nice and easy to start with, but it got harder, especially in the 30+ degree heat. We had a break at a big log, which is where we filmed the video which is going on facebook. From then we went up again to the little tribal village. Had the coldest shower ive ever had, but it was nice after the sweaty climb. Luckily they had some Chang to sell us so got on that pretty quick. They made us dinner, soup stir-fry and rice (again). Was delicious. After dinner they lit a fire and we all sat round looking up at the stars (by the way, ive never seen so many stars, it was mental) One of the tribe people got a guitar out and sang some Thai songs. (Guitar + fire + chang + stars + mountain = ledge). Eventually went to bed after a few more Changs...by bed I mean floor with a cushion and a pillow made of lead. I didnt sleep well. Woke up feeling awful ... Chang-over along with muscle aches from the clmb and the sleeping arrangements made for a grumpy Jamie. As soon as I saw the view though, that changed. It was incredible. ... Then I wondered if it was rice for breakfast, luckly it wasnt - scrambled eggs and toast, with tea...yum. Started walking again for an hour and a half to a waterfall. rested there, so me and craig got in and under the waterfall , was absolutely freezing. Then down to the river (another hour) for rafting. (By the way, each time i give you for how long we walked, add another hour for the old danes. They were soooo slow) It was white water rafting so we got helmets, which is a surprise considering ive not seen a single seat belt since being here, and entered the boat. Was great fun, the oldies bottled it (thank god as they were going to be on our boat) Rafted down til we got to some bamboo rafts, got on them and carried on. Lunch (Pad Thai, get in) And then drove from there back to the hotel at about 5. Slept straight through til this morning. Woke up and decided to go to the Tiger Kingdom. Craig didnt fancy it so I got in a little red truck and headed out. Went in with the big bad boys and then the little baby ones. Each time you can touch and lay on them and everything.. Really are awesome creatures. And they werent in chains or anything, which was good. The little ones were quite playful but the older ones were just like "alright, dont touch the head. we both know I can eat you so lets just get this done"

And now im back in the hotel writing this. We leave tonight for Laos, will take til the ealry hours to reach the border where we stay for a night, then cross in the morning...go to the river and board the slow boat (aptly named as it takes about 15 hours to travel what a speed boat can do in 6) We stop overnight in Pakbeng Village, then the following day, after an 8 hour journey back on the boat - we will arrive in luang prabang. Stay there for a night then head down to VangVieng for the tubing.

Right Im offski,

Hope everyone is good

Jay.

P.s Having a few issues with my camer, will go to a shop today and try get it sorted so i can upload pics of the tigers and trekking x