After the scariest, most uncomfortable journey so far I managed to make it, in just about one piece, to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Spent a few days chilling, wandering around wats and pondering life as a Buddhist nun.... nah, can't see it myself either! A day at Thai Cooking School has finally led me to the point of no return - I have now: eaten meat by mistake; then by choice to try something; then actually ordered it in a restaurant; now I can cook it! The course took me through the delights of vegetable sculpting, pork ball soup, duck red curry, spring rolls and chicken with ginger. All were delicious and at least I know what "it" looks like before and after - weird though!A fantastic 2-day trek with Therese (one of 2 lovely Swedish girls I met here) took us through the rolling hills to the north. We visited an orchid farm, a cunning place where they turn elephant dung into paper (yes I was interested in the chemicals used – geektastic continues…) and a huge cave structure in the heart of Chiang Dao, the 2nd highest mountain in Thailand. Spent the night in Pang Deng, a Padong tribal village where we were treated to after-dinner entertainment from the local children. Sadly I couldn't think of anything suitable to sing (?!) but they were delighted by Therese's rendition of a Swedish summer festival song and it's crazy actions... Spent the following evening with Asa and Therese putting back all those calories in the Haagen Dazs shop. Yum! Off to Pai in the west tomorrow. Think I'm ready for another public bus experience. Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the cold run up to Christmas... Thinking of you. S x