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Published: November 28th 2007
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The Grand Palace
Watching the changing of the guards
I knew before coming to Thailand that I was not going to like Bangkok but even with that mental preparation I was still shocked by what I saw and could not wait to get out of there. After spending the first night near the airport (which was a mistake) I took my first taxi ride (I admit I've lived a sheltered life when I've never ridden in a taxi before) to downtown Bangkok. I didn't really know where I wanted to go or where anything was so I opened up Lonely Planet to a random page and told the driver to take me there.
I got out of the cab and immediately felt like everyone was trying to take advantage of me, which they were. This was a major shock coming from Japan where everyone is so helpful and just wants to help to be nice - not to get something from you. It took me a day or two before I hardened up and learned that you just basically have to be rude. I had a run in with some people handing out corn near a park. They shoved it into my hand and than made me throw it
More of the Grand Palace
The only place I went in Bangkok on the ground to feed the birds and then hounded me for money. I was not happy. My saving grace of my first Bangkok experience was that I chose a spot near Khoason Road which is where all of the guesthouses are and where all of the backpackers hang out.
I spent the next day around the pool, surrounded by other travelers which was very nice. I then booked a trek in Chiang Mai for the following day and high tailed it out of Bangkok as quickly as I could. I know when I go back to Bangkok I will be more prepared and will be able to handle it much better. The only sightseeing event I did in the city was the Grand Palace.
After an overnight bus ride we arrived in Chiang Mai and met the other trekkers on our journey. In all there where 14 of us between the ages of 21 and 27 representing 8 countries! (Wow can you tell I'm a math person giving the stats of the fellow travelers). Two of the others, Janada and Shivaan, were also fellow ex-Nova teachers from Osaka. It was really a great group of people and
The First Day
Taking a break on the first day of the trek we had a lot of fun!
On our first day we hiked for about three hours up into the mountains to one of the hill tribes. It was a beautiful hike in the jungle but very steep. At the end of the day we spent the night in a hut with a local hill tribe. The hut was complete with roosters and chickens underneath to wake us up in the morning. The local family made dinner for us and we had a bonfire and played games. Even in the middle of no where we were still hounded to buy jewelry.
The second day of the trek we took off and hiked to two waterfalls where we took a break and went swimming. We ended the day in huts again but this time not with a tribe. Our guide, Jim, made us each come up with a game from our country and teach it to the rest of the group. Needless to say we never got past his game from Thailand called Rambo. Don't worry, I'll be bringing it back to the states with me for all to enjoy.
On the final day of our journey we woke
The Hill Tribe
Where we spent our first night. up and it was pouring down rain. Luckily it stopped after breakfast and we took off on the muddy trails but didn't get far before the cows grazing in the trail stopped us. We eventually made it to the elephant park where we went for elephant rides! I had a mama elephant who we think was pregnant again. The baby and the father followed along behind us. They were really amazing animals and so much fun to be around.
After riding elephants we went white water rafting! We split off into three boats which ended up being the North America boat, European boat, and the miscellaneous. I must say the North American's had the most fun based off of volume levels alone. After the white water rafting we went bamboo rafting. It was a day full of firsts and so much fun!
We arrived back in Chiang Mai that night and all went out for a final dinner together. The next day most of us went our separate ways, but five of us headed up to Pai!
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