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Published: October 25th 2007
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At Karen Village Chiang Rai
A very large friend to have a cuddle with Friday 19th October - Up early and down to little cafe for breakfast. Had a text from a friend requesting a peacock brooch or pendant or icon from Burma. Well, you would think that would be easy enough as the peacock is the national bird of Myanmar. I went to the markets but didn't have any luck and as time was getting on I had to give up so I was back to the Immigration Point when a man, Danny asked me where I was going as they do when you are standing still. Told him about the peacock request and he offered to help me but said he did not think I would be able to get one. Said he knew a couple of places that we could try. Off we went up and down the alleys - into a couple of places but no luck and then one said, OH peacock in Mae Sai" and if I could wait an hour it maybe would come. Reluctantly, I had to leave with the peacock as it didn't really sound promising. Sorry Neen but I did try. Collected my passport without any hassles and then into a tuk tuk as wanted
Karen Village friend
This is the baby one - only 7 years old to visit an orphanage and lady gave directions to the non English speaking guy. When I arrived at what I thought was the orphanage found out it was a Canadian sponsored school so had to give up on that idea too. Did go back to the Jade place in the hopes of trying for the peacock - yes, there was a beautiful one in one of the stands but it was not for sale and I don't think Neen's budget would have stretched quite that far. So, it was onto a local cart to the bus station to Chiang Rai. Was beautiful country and a good ride. When off the bus, the usual taxi and tuk tuk people are there to see where you are going. After speaking with two - I said - I cannot split myself in two and went with David who spoke with me first. He had a tuk tuk driver take me to Ben Guest House and it was a lovely place. After a coffee he took me to the most magnificent temple I have ever seen. It is WatRong Khun and the dream of a Thai artist Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat. It is truly and
WatRong Khun .
WatRong Khun and the dream of a Thai artist Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat. It is truly and amazing place. The photos really don\'t do it justice.. amazing place. The photos really don't do it justice. It was then into town and see Wat Pra Keau. Back to the guest house for a nice chicken curry and chatted to Patrick and Eddie of the guest house. Met Rosie and Patang from Melbourne and we had a long chat until it was "had better go to bed".
Saturday 20th October - Up and had nice scrambled eggs and bacon and then Eddie took me to the bus station and then down to the boat station and then it was in the hands of Mr Pludit on a long boat ride to a Karen Tribal village. I love these boat rides as I just sit back and soak in the beautiful scenery around. Arrived at the village about an hour later where there were a huge herd of Elephants waiting to be ridden. I resisted as I had done my elephant rides previously. The main attraction here were three huge snakes. Oe was 120 kgs. 5 metres long and 22years. It was a python(I think) but it was huge and very slippery. The other one was only a baby in comparison but still big and was 20 years
Back to Chiang Rai
Leisuely ride on the rivr old and the baby of the 3 was only 7 years old. All harmless. I wandered around the markets again and of course bought a couple of things and had lunch and then it was back on the boat to the boat station to meet Eddie once more and then to the bus station heading back to Chiang Mai. My previous Chiang Mai tuk tuk man was too far away so I was taken to the Travellers Inn Hotel. Put my luggage in the room and then went next door to a very nice restaurant and had a great Australian steak! Yummo and then headed down to the Night Bazaar. I have seen so many markets and each time I say, I am not going but somehow that statement goes out the window. You could just spend so much time and money - there are some beautiful items but have to stay in Thailand I am afraid - but you get told - Oh, we take credit card and can ship to Australia!!!!
It was quite late and I swear my hotel had moved. It was nearby I was sure. Then I found a place that did pedicures and manicures
and although it was near their closing time of midnight they said I could have. So once more had a pamper. Then I wasn't sure whether I should turn left or right but Jay, an English chap who was waiting for his friend went off and told me were my hotel was and I finally found it quite late. I wasn't at all tired but sanity ruled and I went to bed after a once more very nice hot shower.
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