Hello again!

Lesson 20: Asking a taxi/tuk tuk driver to take you to the train station is effectively asking them to drive like a crazy person on speed.

For the second time this trip I have felt like I was going to be squashed alive!

Well we made it to Chiang Mai after a much smoother overnight train than the previous one to phuket. Met some German guys on th train- taught them s***head (the card game) and they equally entertained and annoyed us. By the time they started talking about the war we decided it was time for bed.

Got picked up by our hotel- Panda House which is situated just outside the old town. We went for a wonder round and we instantly loved it. It's busy but without the dirtyness of Bangkok and there's temples around every corner. One of the bar owners told us if we saw one every day it would take 18 months. So we did about 6 in one day- and may leave it at that!

Lesson 20+1: Chiang Mai is Bloody cheap!!

We have found apartments for tomorrow night for 1.50p a night each- well over half what we have paid everywhere else, dinner has been spotted at 30p (YES 30 pence!) and we haven't even been shopping yet in th infamous markets :-)

As for the next couple of days we have a busy time ahead. We have booked two tours, the first- tomorrow- takes us on a one day hike including bamboo rafting/ swimming in a waterfall and elephant riding (keeping Jen happy :-) ). The next day we are going up to Chiang Rai- seing the golden triangle, the long neck tribe women and a boat trip to see the borders of Loas and Burnma. Can't wait!!

Lots of love xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx