Country Roads Take Me Home

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The most popular English language song in the Kingdom of Thailand is John Denver’s Country Roads. That’s right ladies and gentlemen John “that dude from The Muppets Christmas thing” Denver is a great big shining star here.

However strange that syrupy West Virginia ditty is somewhat fitting given that I am now deep in the Thai countryside in the Northern City of Chang Mai. Chang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand but couldn’t be further removed from the urban overload that is Bangkok. Chang Mai feels like an artist commune tucked away in the peace and quite of a mountain town. The old city section of Thailand is surrounded by an ancient crumbling wall and a square shaped moat. Inside the old city walls mopeds weave down narrow streets lined with quaint tourist shops, restaurants, bars and a variety of temples that range from understated and peaceful to ancient and mystical.

I spent the day traversing the old city with friends from my hostel. We rented bicycles and pedaled from temple to temple laughing, joking and learning. Chang Mai is surrounded by lush green mountains covered in an ever present shroud of mist. For the most part the clouds keep the heat at bay, but occasionally the sun breaks through and when it does it is pissed. It throws haymaker rays that sear into your skin until you fold and duck behind any structure large enough to cast a sliver of shade.

One of the greatest aspects of travel is the variety of people you meet. Here at the Spicy Thai hostel the roster includes:

Paul: An Irishman from Belfast, Paul is funny, outgoing, fond of beer and quick to tell stories of trouble and mayhem that rival the best I’ve heard.

English Andrew: A big English bloke Andrew is quiet, quick to laugh and funnier with each passing beer.

Australian Andrew: He starts slow and but quickly steps on the gas. Initially reluctant to join the bike crusade Andrew was soon hitching rides off taxis Back to the Future style and leading the charge for the nights activities.

Brigitte: After three months in India and a rush of recent travel within Thailand her batteries are running a little low, but I have a feeling that when this Aussie is rested and relaxed she will give the boys a run for their money.

Tonight I eat Thai BBQ and hit the town with the Spicy Thai crew.

Tomorrow I take a two day, one night trek into the mountains that includes hiking, mountain bike riding, whitewater rafting, elephant rides and swimming beneath waterfalls here in the mysterious mist shrouded north.

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Photos

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The Spicy Thai crew

Comments

[Susan]

awesome
Hey Michael, Am really enjoying your blog entries and photos. Feels like I'm really able to get a glimpse of your new life as it unfolds. Keep them comin! Susan

[nancy bartolomei]

Taveling with you
Sounds like your enjoying your adventure to the fullest.Love all the photos.And most of all your words.Reading them I fell like your sitting here on the back deck telling us your stories,that always make us laugh! Keep them coming.I check daily. Love you a Bunch. Mom and Dad

[Patrice Aylward]

Wild
I figured it would be a wild trip but this is incredible. I'm counting on you to hold your drinking own with the Irishmen and Aussies, you're representing the USA, now!