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Right, so since my previous blog we had our last day in Bangkok. We basically chilled out for the day, sat in a bar and watched 'Gulliver's travels' and headed to the train station. On arrival to the train station we were informed that the trains to the north were cancelled due to the flooding. Our only way to the north now was a 10 hour bus journey that didn't leave until 7:30pm so we decided to take a look around the modern part of Bangkok, Siam. This involved rides on the underground, far better than what we are used to in London and the sky train. Although probably not the best time to be there as the schools had just been kicked out, so what was supposed to be a comfortable ride, viewing the city from height, turned into a crushed journey full of short people! We had a quick walk through Pat Pong market, where Zo was very surprised how many men thought she might be interested in watching a 'Ping Pong show'. Made our way back to the train station for the grueling journey. We had to endure this at the front of the bus on the first floor, which gave us a great view but no seat belt!!!
On arrival in Chiang Mai it was instantly visible to see the trouble they had been having with the floods, with the main road from the bus station to the city centre still sub-merged in water. The first thing we did when we got to our guest house was have a much needed nap, 3-4 hours in fact. Once we had fully recharged our batteries we headed into strolled into Chiang Mai Centre where we found a lovely little bar, Blue Sky. Got speaking to an ex-pat, Sam, who had not lived in England since 1962. It wasn't long before the Chang (beer) had started to take control of our legs so we went to get some food...and more drinks. Once we had made it to another bar called John's Place, a storm set in so the only thing to do was take refuge where we were and drink a few more...even though we only had a fan and very firm bed at our guest house it didn't take long to get to sleep that night.
Saturday 1st October 2011 - this was the day of our cooking course and a time for Zo and I to show our very little knowledge in this area. Began with a walk around the market to see what food we would be dealing with. This also gave us a great opportunity to meet the others on the course, who were a Dutch couple, 2 girls from Canada and South America and a family from Israel. The cooking took place at Perm's house (the teacher). Stunning place. We cooked in his court yard with our own stove. We were able to cook what we chose from his menu and this involved a wide variety of 4 dishes. All were delicious. Although spicy soup in the morning was a bit of a shock to the system. Became friendly with the dutch couple but really had to bite my lip when she got chilli in her eye as everyone else seemed very concerned. Zo didn't seem impressed when I told her that I would have been reaching for the camera before the water if it had been her. In the evening we had a preparation talk from Jack, our trek leader and met others who were going on the trip. 5 people very easy to get on with so we shared a conversation over a few changs!
Sunday morning, all loaded up for the trek and packed on to the bus, well truck with 2 benches in the back. Quick market stop on the way where we picked up a poncho each, this easily turned into the best investment so far. Elephant riding was great fun, even though it decided to throw it down, poncho time! After luch we set out on our 3 hour hike, which mainly involed up hill or down hill. Both were equally as hard since it was so slippy. More biting of the lip involved as Zo fell on her ass 4 times! After crossing about 3 water falls and rivers we arrived at the hill village where we were staying the night. Had a fast shower in the river before dinner and ended the night all sat around candle light drink the night away. Since I have already been bit by mozzies about 20 times I was glad to find a net over our beds.
After a pretty rough night, on Monday we were split from the rest of the group as everyone else had booked to do 2 nights and 3 days where we had only booked 2 days. So me and Zo set off with Joey, our Thai guide for a 2 hour stroll through some rice fields. We came across a mother and baby elephant so ideal time for photos. Couldn't do the rafting in the afternoon as planned as the river was still too dangerous to ride on from the high waters. In the evening ventured into town to find a couple of nice pubs the group had told us about.
Today is a lazy day for us, just in town getting some supplies before heading to Laos, i.e stronger insect repellant and something for the nasty blister on Zo's heal. Hopefully meeting back up with the treking group this evening as a couple from Portsmouth, Andy and Kaylee, are heading in the same direction as us through Laos.
Will up date again soon, take care everyone!
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