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Published: January 30th 2009
Jonnada Guesthouse
I actually have my own room and shower at this place! They are very friendly here.What a breath of fresh air Chiang Mai has turned out to be. As soon as I stepped off the airplane, after a much easier flight (only 1.5 hrs), getting a cab and getting to my guesthouse was a lot less stressfull. As I checked in to my guesthouse who is owned by an Australian/Thai couple, I managed to bump into a dude named Michael from Germany who lives near Munich. After a little bit of conversation we realized that we shared 3 important common interests... traveling, Muay Thai boxing, and drinking beer! With that in mind we agreed to do these activities together and booked our Muay Thai Boxing lessons, our three day trek and went off to the Sunday market to browse the local goods and of course... drink some beer.
The next day was the test of manhood. Germany vs Canada in a bitter fight to the death in Muay Thai boxing... Well, not so much, but the experience was one of the best on the trip thus far. When we first pulled up to the place, the outdoor ring looked quite suspect. It was an old, tattered, duck taped mat, with frayed ropes, and a family
Bugs!
We stumbled upon this bug stand, so I was dared to try a cricket. You know I can't refuse a dare! It wasn't bad at all, just dry. living attached to it. That said, it really added to the experience and it gave it a real rustic and authentic feel. There was some validity when I browsed around and saw many posters of top fighters who I assumed trained at the camp. Our instructor greeted us and immediately I saw a hopped up Thai version of Mr. Miyagi. He was friendly but after we donned our Muay Thai shorts, were told to do five laps around the block. We thought... "Easy enough" so we finished, came back and were told to do 15 minutes of skipping rope, then 15 minutes of tire jumps, then 80 calf raises each leg. For someone who has done little activity for much of the year, I was spent and had learned nothing of Muay Thai whatsoever. But then the fun began and we began learning knees, elbows, punches and shadow boxing. After we mastered the basics we put on the gloves and sparred with the instructor, which was really fun. I don't mean to brag, but I may be changing professions as Mr. Miyagi told me that with one month of solid training, I could start fighting competitively. He very well could
The Ring
This is where the blood was shed. have just being friendly, but I felt as if I gave it a good go. After we finished much of our training, the members of the camp arrived and showed us some serious skills. I actually plan to go see one of the fighters tonight who is from France. All-in-all Muay Thai was really fun, and although I was sore the next day, the Thai massage following it really helped!
The next three days we were off on our jungle trekking adventure where we would stay with the Lahu hill tribe of the north, ride elephants, go water rafting, and bamboo rafting. We had a great group consisting of 6 people from Holland, an Irish couple, my German friend and I. We all got a long really well and it was cool to hear about the other's trips. After about a 3 hour drive we had lunch and began riding elephants for the first hour of the trip, whch was really neat! Then, we began our 4 hour trek, where we walked 7 kilometers and climbed 750 verticle meters. The scenery in the jungle was amazing and the landscape was quite challenging. It was a nice relief from the
Muay Thai Champions
Michael and I, ready to join the pro's. hustle and bustle of the cities. Our guide was an interesting character named Moo Chiang (I think thats how you spell it). He was a small older man, who was friendly and had a really large mole on his chin with five 3 inch long hairs growing from it. At times it was difficult to concentrate on what he was saying. Despite this, he was excellent and we arrived at our first hill tribe villiage where they speak a different language. Moo Chiang taught us some words so we wouldn't insult them. I bought a cigar that was made in the village. I was hoping to get a little magic buzz from it, but no dice, it was pretty legit, haha. We stayed with a family who was very welcoming, ate an amazing Thai Curry dinner, drank many beers, played the guitar, and sang songs around a candle light. Although not entirely authentic, it was a great experience.
The next morning we added another member of our group, Bo Bo, who lived in the Lahu hill tribe villiage and was to be our second guide. He was 22 years old and very friendly and informative. We trekked another 8km to
Mr. Miyagi
You can't be a champion without a good coach! our next stop where we managed to have some lunch and do some swimming in a scenic waterfall. We then continued to our next camp where we would stay the night in the jungle. After another amazing dinner, the guitar and beers came out again and we got to sample some local rice wine that is made by the Lahu tribe. Bo Bo drank way too much and ended up passing out early. His last request before he went to bed was that we finish the home brew, so one of the Dutchmen and I made sure not to dissapoint.
The last day saw a lot less walking (thank Buddha) and was filled with an hour of white water rafting and some calming bamboo rafting. Trekking was an amazing experience, it was nice getting exercise and getting close to a very different culture. As suggested before, the amount of tourists that visit these villages, does have its effect and it shows. But, it was amazing to converse with some locals, share drinks, have some laughs and enjoy good times.
Today I am going to take it easy as I checked out the Night Bazaar last night. Tonight I plan
Elephants!
This was a cool experience. One of them really resembled Blake Hurdle in the lower region. I'll have to wait until I get home to show you that one! to meet up with the Irish couple from the trek and check out some more Muay Thai boxing. The next stop of my journey is Ko Samui, where it will be my first beach experience and a chance to do a little more resting and relaxing. I miss everyone, but am having a very fun time! Everything has went well so far and I appreciate all of the people who are keeping in touch! Take care until next time!
-J
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Lushious
non-member comment
Chillin Chiang Mai!
Well you've certainly been around the jungle as they eh Jay?? Boxing, shopping, eating, partying, trekking, elephants, bazaar, massages.... I would sell my soul to be there right now! Love the pics, there can never be too many photos, but I know the internet is slow! haha great blog, keep on bamboozlin!