The day after my jungle trek was all about travel. But when your final destination is Thailand, who can complain? The outline of my day: bus to tuk tuk to the border, crossed easily (and began day 1 of my 60 day visa), shuttle bus to tuk tuk to bus. Phew. I was on the same bus as a lovely French girl I had already met, so it was nice having a friendly face to journey with. We arrived in Chiang Rai, up in northern Thailand, in the late afternoon, and I spent 2 days in this city.
I'm definitely not in Laos/Cambodia any more. My oh my, Thailand is SO much more developed. This means too that it's much more touristy. I anticipate many future blog posts mentioning that I "really liked x location, but it was super touristy." Oh well, i'll get over it. But it was a little disappointing to see my first McDonalds and Starbucks out here.
After 2 days of wandering, temples, a cool night market (where at long last I had pad thai in Thailand, major life goal achieved), and getting back clean laundry (so exciting), I planned to go farther up north. I learned though that to get to all of the northern destinations I had in mind, I first needed to go through Chiang Mai, farther south. A bit of a pain, but no big deal--so off to Chiang Mai I went.
I spent 4 nights in this lovely city, and it's easy to see why so many people get stuck here. It was more wandering and temples, huge and dizzying night markets, desperately looking for AC and sucking down fruit shakes in 100+ degree heat, and meeting some really great people. I took a thai cooking class and made some really yummy food: red curry, pad thai, chicken soup in coconut broth, and sticky rice with mangoes. So now I've done some cooking in each country I've been to (Singapore not included, unless you count the peanut butter banana Nutella sandwich I made), and I'm pretty committed to coming home, buying the obscure ingredients, and cooking more Asian food. So delish.
I'm definitely not in Laos/Cambodia any more. My oh my, Thailand is SO much more developed. This means too that it's much more touristy. I anticipate many future blog posts mentioning that I "really liked x location, but it was super touristy." Oh well, i'll get over it. But it was a little disappointing to see my first McDonalds and Starbucks out here.
After 2 days of wandering, temples, a cool night market (where at long last I had pad thai in Thailand, major life goal achieved), and getting back clean laundry (so exciting), I planned to go farther up north. I learned though that to get to all of the northern destinations I had in mind, I first needed to go through Chiang Mai, farther south. A bit of a pain, but no big deal--so off to Chiang Mai I went.
I spent 4 nights in this lovely city, and it's easy to see why so many people get stuck here. It was more wandering and temples, huge and dizzying night markets, desperately looking for AC and sucking down fruit shakes in 100+ degree heat, and meeting some really great people. I took a thai cooking class and made some really yummy food: red curry, pad thai, chicken soup in coconut broth, and sticky rice with mangoes. So now I've done some cooking in each country I've been to (Singapore not included, unless you count the peanut butter banana Nutella sandwich I made), and I'm pretty committed to coming home, buying the obscure ingredients, and cooking more Asian food. So delish.
Speaking of food. I'm in heaven here in Thailand. I think the real reason I booked this entire trip was so I could eat thai food in Thailand. Only sort of kidding. (Ok, and the Thai beaches. I'll get there soon enough). I plan to eat my way through the country, with pad thai, curry, noodles, and soups galore. Pretty much everywhere has local markets and street food, so for a dollar or two I will be eating some of the best food ever.
Nommmm
I also got a desperately needed haircut in Chiang Mai, courtesy of the owner of my hostel who used to work as a stylist in San Francisco. I was a bit nervous about a free rooftop haircut in Thailand with a pair of old scissors, but it all worked out for the best. Although in this heat, I almost told him to shave my head like the monks. They know what's up.
I spent an afternoon with a guy from my hometown who is volunteering at an elephant project about an hour from CM. (Thanks Leslie for the contact!) He met me for lunch in the city then drove me out to the project, and I got to hang with the elephants. And there was a baaaaaby elephant and I got to play with her and it was amazing and I want one. Mom and dad, it's either a puppy or an elephant. Your move. (A piglet would be acceptable too).
Now I'm in Pai, a few hours farther north. It's a super tiny, really chilled out town. Hmm wow ill do it already: I really like it here but it's suuuuuper touristy. It's just a few streets with cafes, restaurants, tour companies, and bars. It's filled with backpackers and old white expats who have dreads and bandanas and play guitar. Its a very relaxed scene here with a rasta/reggae vibe. Every day the electricity goes out at some point, but at night its actually really nice--everything is dotted with candles, the streets get quieter, the stars are gorgeous--just really peaceful!
The surrounding countryside is beautiful, but you need a bike to explore. Luckily I met a cool girl from Switzerland at my hostel, so we spent a day cruising around the area, relaxing at a nearby waterfall/swimming hole to beat the heat, and checking out a temple/big buddah statue on a hill overlooking the city. Some folks I met in CM are also here now, so it's been nice hanging with them some more. I keep extending my stay here! I expect to leave tomorrow though.
So, about one week down here in Thailand. The country is huge and I'm not exactly sure what ill be doing or where ill be going, but ill be making my way down south. There are so many opportunities here, I've looked into wwoofing (organic farming), volunteering, and some meditation retreats/courses. Not sure yet what will pan out, but I'm enjoying myself so far!! Anyone who secretly dreams of coming to join me for a little while: do it now!
So, about one week down here in Thailand. The country is huge and I'm not exactly sure what ill be doing or where ill be going, but ill be making my way down south. There are so many opportunities here, I've looked into wwoofing (organic farming), volunteering, and some meditation retreats/courses. Not sure yet what will pan out, but I'm enjoying myself so far!! Anyone who secretly dreams of coming to join me for a little while: do it now!
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