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Published: March 7th 2007
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Alas I had to give up my lap of luxury in Bangkok & spent the next two days attending & Muay Thai boxing match & strolling the streets of Chinatown. I would love to show you all the footage, but the uploading connection is taking ages, so I guess the anticipation of watching two tiny Thais kick the crap out of each other will have to continue to build. On the other hand, Chinatown is Chinatown no matter what part of the world you are in. Vendors hawking everything from calculators to weapons of great butchery to loads of varieties of mushrooms and even beads galore. Thankfully I did make it out of there without digging into the pocketbook. And that evening, Andrew & Adam & I stayed in a rather nice guesthouse overlooking the river. Ah, Bangkok...guess the place is growing on me just a bit.
The next day it was the overnight train to Chiang Mai & a day of relaxation--not that I haven't been doing that enough, but traveling is tough...hee hee--I can always use a dip in a pool. The next morning we took a cooking class which was absolutely fantastic. And, yes, I will cook
all sorts of Thai food for those of you back home. Mom & Dad, I take out the spicy for you 😉 Our instructor was great--if only every home kitchen had someone that had pre-cut/measured all ingredients for you & then cleans up afterwards. After the class & a few hours of a food coma we headed to Pai.
Pai is quintessentially the Hiatt Street of Thailand mixed with a little Boulder, CO. Hippies everywhere. BUT, before any of you get out your gun let me say that Pai does seem to, and splendidly I might say, bring out the better qualities in hippie land. Lots of good music, good food & a very mellow vibe that makes it very clear why so many expats come to Pai & never leave. The scenery is also breathtaking & I was fortunate, along with my fellow road warriors, to get to experience it firsthand on a fabulous motorbike. The three of us rented bikes for a day & spent the afternoon driving around through the countryside of Pai. We stopped at a waterfall & saw some hotsprings, but didn't induldge--too flippin' hot. We even encountered a elephant at one of the
elephant camps along the way. It's no wonder researchers anthropomorphosize these beasts so much...they do truly appear to exhibit all sorts of human-like qualities & playfulness. As for the bike, I rather quite like the rush of zooming down the hills & round the bends. Don't worry, mom, I had a helmet. And I must say that while I may be on the verge of becoming my old high school biology teacher, Mr. Mills, I am beginning to see the drawn in driving a Harley across the States and I just might have to make that my next big trip! We finished out the day with a dip in the local swimming pool & some Indian food & a viewing of the Wedding Crashers. Rough life I lead.
It was finally time to say goodbye to Pai so the three of us hopped on buses the next day bound for Chiang Rai & that's where I am right now. Soaking up the night market & awesome food court. I will truly miss being able to graze on all sorts of ready-made treats free of health codes when I get home. I mean, really, what's a little rat here &
there? We even tried some silk worms last night. NOT good in any way, shape or form. Apparently the vendor knew this & wouldn't even let me pay for my treats. YUK! So now I'm preparing to head to the Laos border again on the eve of my 29th birthday--does that make me old--and yes, please send all your well-wishes. (I thought I might look a little funny wearing a sign around my neck tommorrow, so I'm relying on you guys.) Circumstance seems to dictate that I will be spending it somewhere in limbo on the border between Thailand & Laos...maybe I'll just ring it in on the Mighty Mekong--French Canadian Eric, if you are reading this...won't you be proud! I have to say though, that I will be incredibly disappointed not to be celebrating with my girls (& boys). I miss you guys a lots & could definitely use girlfriends right now. Last night Andrew & Adam where doing their best to pick up chics for me--I can count on ONE hand how many conversations I've had with women in the past two months--not good, but sadly none could be found. Tragic! I suppose I must wait until I
get back & I guess that means you'll all have to save some sushi & sake for me! Cody will be SOOOO excited to see me again! 😉
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Marcheta
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Happy Birthday
This is one birthday you will remember forever however you celebrate. I hope it is very happy. I would love to try your thia food when you get back to home.