When I arrived in Changmai on Monday evening I was presented with the option of going on three day trek the next day or waitng three days to go on a four day trek. As I didn't fancy hanging around for three days ( I haven't fallen in love with Thai cities) I took the first option and only got back this evening .
January is a very dry month in this area. The trekking was good but physically challenging up and down hill through jungle/ forest and through rice fields. The nights were very cold too despite being boiling hot during the day.
The first night we slept in a Karen tribe village and went to a family house where we had a very interesting discussion with the parents about their lives and hopes for their family.
The people on the trek were good company. Three irish, two dutch, a german and me. Of course I was the daddy of the group by about 20+ years, but not the least fit. We slept in large Thai huts (sheds on legs) and my snoring didn't seem to be too problematic. I actually slept quite well , in a sleeping bag and five blankets, all my clothes and a new wooly hat.
Today we rafted down a river on a disposable bamboo raft made the day before which was a bit hairy. We kept hitting rocks and flying all over the place. We weren't going very fast but there were some cuts and bruises. We then went to the highest maontian in Thailand ( by car) where there are two modern temples in honour of the King and Queen set in gardens. It was very beautiful.
I've now two nights (including this evening) back in Chang Mai to regroup before I head for the Laos border on Saturday and take a boat down mekong to Luang prabang, the old Laos capital, if all goes to plan.
3 comments:
There weren't any complaints about the snoring because the Karen Tribe don't have the words to truely describe it. They've never experienced a beached whale.
lots of love,
Matt "Pot Meet Kettle" Espley
Hi Paul,
You're obviously having a great time. We're enjoying reading all about it.
Winds and storms back here now, so best time to be away.
Jessica & Dave
article in the guardian today about a girl who was lost in the loas jungle 20 years ago, aged 8. She's survived the whole time - apparently scavenging food and somehow finding a way to live - but sleeps slightly awake with her head moving from side to side, is very thin and is unable to communicate except in sign language.
Oh well at least it's unlikely you'll unlearn talking - and it's good indication there's plenty to eat if one gets stuck.
Still - rather you didn't get lost in the jungle.
Post a Comment