... Day 4 - River Kwai

Today we went to the Erwan Waterfalls, which was my favorite part of the trip so far. It really was amazing - crystal clear water which you could swim in and climb all over the rocks... Paradise! There were 7 'steps' in the waterfall, so it was quite a hike up to the top, but well worth it. Had a really cooling swim up the top with amazing views of the valleys. Got some amazing pics but am trying to upload them with varying success, so be patient... After the waterfalls we went to the Tiger Temple. Slightly odd place with about 15 rescue tigers, which were taken care of by monks. You could tell the tigers were boiling hot, and in my opinion the monks just kept them for the tourists. Didn't really like it much, but still, I stroked a big old tiger! Got back to our guesthouse on the river, and went out for a few drinks with the rest of the group till long into the early hours... we had a birthday girl in our group, so was another excuse to go out!

Day 5 - Ayudhaya

Today we had to check out of the hotel @ 8am! Most had very bad hangovers, and in this heat, they aren't pretty!!! We then had long bus trip ahead of us. 4 hours on a samll cramped sweaty bus - not fun I can tell you, but an experience all the same. We only had a half day in Ayudhaya. This was the old Thai capital before Bangkok, and we went round several temple's, and ruins of the old monastary (see the big Buddha Head enclosed in the tree in the picture). Very interesting - also found out (told by a monk) that I was born on a friday, so my Buddha colour is Blue. Depending on which day you were born on, you have a lucky colour. The King of Thailand was born on a monday, so his colour is yellow. Loads of People wear yellow on a monday to pay respect to him. (See I am learning some culture while i'm here!!!) In the evening we caught a night train from Ayudhaya to Chang Mai. 13 hours on a train. I quite liked our little beds and had a good nights sleep. On every train, there is a party carriage, so went and checked that out as well.

Day 6 - Chang Mai

Woke up in Chang Mai. We have got here exactly on Thai new year. They party for one day before and one day after. This is the best time in the whole year to be here. In Chang Mai, over these three days they have the Songkran (think thats how you spell it) Festival. The whole city has a huge 3 day water fight. They install special pumps to empty the moats and rivers to fill up trucks with water! It is such a laugh. No where else in the world would do this - only the Thai. If you step out the door, you get soaked, so I've given up and have a shower in my clothes before i go out. It's ridiculously hot here - weve arrived at the hottest time of the year as well, and Tong ( our leader) says the trek is only going to be hotter. Think I may have sweated my own body weight while I've been here, and thats just sitting still most of the time! Urgh! Tonight, were planning on going out water fighting and partying on the streets of Chang Mai - Happy (Thai) New Year everyone!!!