Hi everyone,

I'm writting this from a pub! They offer free internet so im taking full advantage being the cheap experienced backpacker that I am (A week counts as experience). Anyway this is our last night in Chang Mai so thought it was worth a wee write up. We have literally done noting but relax since our heavy treking. A few hours in the pool here an there was the height of it. Its festival fever here in chang mai. Fireworks, parades, traditional thai cistumes, and lots of lights! I got to add my wee bit when a thai lady invited me to help her make a flower arrangement with her. They were being made to float in the river around the city tonight. The whole arrangment made from banana leaf and bark apart from a few orchids in the middle. I met the same lady tonight at the parade and she gave me a big hug! The smallest of a gesture which was completely appreciated.

It confirms that the Thais are the nicest people. Although I have to say i've never been as close to taking heart attacks than in this city. Stephen and gary have their work cut out for them looking after me! First of all we went to go buy a women on a busy street and "she" turned round for us to be faced with the first lady boy we've seen. And the three of our faces dropped! It was hillarious. She/he caught us by complete suprise. There have been more severe incidents when i shout and scream! They love their bangers over here. Its all part of this festival but my god do they rip the arse out of the whole thing! Bangers thrown in the middle of the street, onto footpaths, under cars, into electric wires and into shops! They make the loudest bang i have ever heard - especially when out under some poor boyos car! We seen one the other night fly into an electric box in a shop and blow it up!

Anyway the moral of the story is that they might be the friendliest people in the world but my god do they know how to scare the life out of you!

So we are off to Vietnam in the Morning......god only knows what story there will be to tell next!