Well,
looks like the Oz part of the trip started earlier than expected. Signed up for a 3 day trekking trip into Chiang Dao about 2 hours outside Chiang Mai. Group had eleven people. Me, a half Chinese/American called William, and 9 ozzies. As usual, they didn't dissappoint. What a great bunch of guys (and girl). Anyway, we drive out in the back of a covered pickup for what seems like forever then finally arrive at the national parks area. We pile out and scramble down to this cool waterfall which we then climb. Great fun... I think this trekking lark sounds easy... we pile back on the bus and drive a bit more and then we come to this village and all pile out... and so the 'trek' part begins..these guys breed dogs and monkeys to eat which was a little hard to stomach - luckily all we got fed was decent veg and chicken (i think). I have to say it certainly great fun, but Jesus I was knackered. We basically following 'tracks' if you can call them that, through Thai jungle. and by god its hilly. There were a few times I thought I was going over and I tell you out there if you fall, you are screwed. However, I made it through with nothing but a few bruises. We trekked about 2 and a half hours on day one and about 3 and a half on day 2. Believe me its enough. Stops for lunch made by our guide 'Jackie Chan'. What a cool guy is all i'll say. Knows his stuff.
We stopped overnight twice, once near an elephant camp and once is an actual tribal village (Jackie's in fact). Its in the overnights that I learned the true meaning of getting 'Chang-ed', Chang being the number one beer here. Jesus, those ozzies like to drink. Had some bloody good laughs around the fire and some great pics. Will (the american) didnt really like to drink so found himself on the edge of things a bit which is a shame but hey, all the ozzies love a pom and this was no exception. Got suitably 'Chang'-ed again the next day and last night they took me out around a typical night out for them around Chiang Mai, once we got back and cleaned up. They kept me out till 4am and finished me off with the BK triple challenge (basically to eat Burger King's biggest burger having injested half the beer and tequila in town). Luckily for me I passed and didnt chunder all over the resteraunt. It was like being a student again. Think we're doing the same tonight although I'll be taking it a little easier as I've got to get up tomorrow for a trip to see some more stuff....I'd put some photos up but the hangover is still kicking in so it will have to wait....oh did i mention we also rode elephants, did some white water rafting and bamboo rafting too....no... just shows you my brain is fuddled today... right i need to eat...
laters.
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Hats off to Ed, Huddo, Jez,Justin,Frankie,Paul and the rest of 'em who's names escape me at the moment...
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Greetings from Chiang Mai
Well,
after a very pleasant flight from BK airport I arrive in Chiang Mai and what a lovely change. Admitedly, when I arrived it was raining and it took me about and hour and a half to find any place to stay. I was going to head to 'Julie's' guest house, but alas it was full. Then I was offered a room and bed with a fan for 150 bhat (about 2.00) a night but it was more like a cell at the Bangkok Hilton. After a little more searching I've found a place called the Sunshine Inn for about 400 a night (About 7-8 quid?) which has a nice bed, fan, mozzy screens, toilet and hot shower.. If only I'd known it was one of the city's biggest yearly festivals (doh!) I'd have pre-booked a room. Still, no worries I'm there for 3 nights so I plan to book a trekking trip now to start when i have to move out which will give me another 2 nights and 3 days out of town. Then I'll book back in for the remaining days here and do some day trips... Watched the parade today and took some pics... I've upped a few so you can see the sort of thing I mean. Bear in mind this went on for 2 hours (float after float). I was knackered just standing there so got know how some of those kids were holding up..
Oh, went to see some Thai boxing last night too... not a show fight but a proper club vs club one. Pretty vicious stuff, especially when the two thai fighters got going. One gave the other a round house to the temple and knocked him out cold... he was still limp and and lifeless 5 minutes later when they carried him out on a stretcher... mental...
Right, time to do the laundry... laters.
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after a very pleasant flight from BK airport I arrive in Chiang Mai and what a lovely change. Admitedly, when I arrived it was raining and it took me about and hour and a half to find any place to stay. I was going to head to 'Julie's' guest house, but alas it was full. Then I was offered a room and bed with a fan for 150 bhat (about 2.00) a night but it was more like a cell at the Bangkok Hilton. After a little more searching I've found a place called the Sunshine Inn for about 400 a night (About 7-8 quid?) which has a nice bed, fan, mozzy screens, toilet and hot shower.. If only I'd known it was one of the city's biggest yearly festivals (doh!) I'd have pre-booked a room. Still, no worries I'm there for 3 nights so I plan to book a trekking trip now to start when i have to move out which will give me another 2 nights and 3 days out of town. Then I'll book back in for the remaining days here and do some day trips... Watched the parade today and took some pics... I've upped a few so you can see the sort of thing I mean. Bear in mind this went on for 2 hours (float after float). I was knackered just standing there so got know how some of those kids were holding up..
Oh, went to see some Thai boxing last night too... not a show fight but a proper club vs club one. Pretty vicious stuff, especially when the two thai fighters got going. One gave the other a round house to the temple and knocked him out cold... he was still limp and and lifeless 5 minutes later when they carried him out on a stretcher... mental...
Right, time to do the laundry... laters.
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