Hi all

So we were supposed to be practicing Monks for 4 days this week at Wat Suan Doks meditation insight programme - well...it turned out to be 2 days! Chris and i were excited about the prospect of learning a bit about Buddism and meditation skills but it turned out to be just a bit to serious for us. When we arrived at the meeting point we had a good look around at our fellow students and realised fairly quickly that we stuck out like 2 sore thumbs. Dreadlocks, fisherman trousers and excess facial hair (just for the males) seemed to be the norm. After an hour of Buddism chat from one of the novice monks we headed off in the back of a pick up truck to the meditation venue. It was quite big with lots of bedrooms- i managed to get one all to myself (result) but Chris ended up with a bearded American man who seemed a tad to eager to pick Chris as his roomie. There were only a few other buildings which included the meditation hall and canteen.

The first evening we learnt about the expectations of the retreat...i.e it being silent, and the various meditation techniques. We learnt how to meditate sitting down, walking, standing and lying. We also had to chant before each session and before eating our mediocre vegetarian meals! Whilst it was quite interesting in parts to learn how to meditate, Chris and i were soon gesturing towards each other to suggest that we wanted out! We knew that some people had signed up for the 2 day retreat and that a taxi was due to arrive in the afternoon of the second day so we made the decision to leave early rather than stay another 48 hours. I wasn't enjoying being silent (surprise,surprise) and Chris was missing meat and beer. If we had the opportunity to do something else, i.e Yoga aswell i think it would have been more enjoyable. The fact that we were expected to meditate for around 8 hours a day as beginners was a bit much.

So, having left the retreat early, Chris and i needed to find somewhere to stay in Chiang Mai. We headed off in the direction of the backpacker area and huffing and puffing with our backpacks we made our way along some quiet backstreets to find somewhere suitably cheap to stay. After several failed enquries we came across a boutique hotel and thought we would try our luck. Thankfully they had 1 spare room, right next to reception which they offerted to us at a reduced price. Yay! On first inspection the hotel was nice but when you looked a bit closer everything was a bit grimy and dusty. It didn't matter to much though as it was in a good position and the staff were really friendly and helpful. We stayed for a couple of nights and after the vegetarian food of the monk retreat, i have to confess we went on a bit of a Western food bender. Pizza, Fried Chicken and Sandwiches were all on the menu and they were gooooood. (Helen don't be mad at me but i'm sure i have put on at least 2lbs this week!)

During the 2 days in Chiang Mai we saw some local temples, visited a late night market including Lady Boy show which was brilliant (they l.o.v.e.d. Chris haha) and visited the highest mountain in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. Chiang Mai was a good fun city but it is completley geared up towards tourists and it felt a bit lacking in local spirit. After 2 days in Chiang Mai city we decided to head further North to a small hippy town called Pai. Our friendly receptionist at the hotel helped us organise a mini bus for 9.30am on Saturday morning which didn't actually turn up until gone 11.30am. Grrrrrrrr. They said it was because of all the traffic on the road because of Chiang Mai flower festival but when we got going the roads were clear!?! Everything happens at a much calmer pace in Thailand than at home and i'm trying to relax into the 'cha cha' frame of mind which directly translates to 'slowly, slowly.'

Next destination Pai, i will leave that for Chris to update you on next time!

Lots of love

Becci xxx