So we have just returned from our trek in Chiang Mai. (Although we have obv been and had a shower because we were disgusting!)
Had a really good time with a really good group of people. We got picked up yesterday morning by our crazy tour guides 'woody woodpecker' and 'bob marley' no idea what their real names were. There was 9 of us in total on the trek then the two guides, we went to a market to get food supplies then to the elephant camp.
Me and Esther had a nice chat in the shade while everyone else rode the elephants, it wasnt nice to see but we didnt even have to say anything to everyone about the ethics of it, they all came back feeling incredibly guilty about doing it anyway.
So then we started this very hard trek up to the village, we had to walk up three massive hills on very steep paths and bob set an incredibly fast pace. Its really hard in this heat but we all made it and felt very knackered but in a satisfied way when we made it to the top. We had a bit of a wander round the village then had a lovely meal of thai green curry. Then we all sat round a campfire, got the guitar out and sang/chatted under the starry sky. Really nice evening!
So this morning we were woken to a lovely breakfast of toast omlette and watermelon and coffee. Then we trekked back down the hills to a waterfall where we had a swim. Well i say a swim more of a paddle because the water wasnt deep, it was absolutely freezing though! So then we walked a bit further, this was the nicest walk because it was the flattest, however it was the one i managed to fall over and graze my shin on. Its ok though it just looks rather impressive. So we made it to the white water rafting place, and did some rafting, quite tame though because its dry season so the waters pretty low. Then we changed onto bamboo rafts for the last stretch down the river which was a really nice relaxed pace. Then we had pad thai for lunch and drove back to Chiang Mai.
Were all meeting up tonight for a meal and to swop our facebook names so we can exchange our photos. So it has been a really good couple of days, and whats more it cost us 22 pound each for everything which is pretty awesome.
The only downside is that I have now realised that i am about halfway through my trip, time is going far too quickly! But on the bright side still three and a half weeks and rwo more countries to go.
Keep up with the messages, i like reading them.
xxxx