Back again

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Hello all! I arrived in Bangkok at about 1 a.m. after a 22 hour flight - most of which I spent just knocked out asleep. I checked into a hotel I had stayed in before and completely crashed. The next day I met up with my friend Julia who has been teaching outside of Bangkok for the last four months. We caught up and she gave me a bit of insight in what to expect when I begin my teaching job, which was for the most part all positive.
The next day I hauled all my stuff to the train station where I boarded the night train for Chiang Mai. The night train leaves in the afternoon and arrives the next day at around 6 a.m. and it was a really great experience. I met a couple girls from New Zealand and they were good company. Trains have always been a really great way to see the surrounding countryside and this was no exception. You find yourself chugging past shanty towns made haphazardly from corrugated metal and scrap wood. Some are on stilts - since Bangkok and it surrounding area is below sea level. As you exit the city area the landscape turns greener and there are rice paddies in every direction. Water buffalo soak lazily in the ravines and there are hundreds of birds - from egrets to storks frozen like statues waiting for their next meal to float by. The towns get fewer and farther between and when the train slows into the stations there is a new bustle of activity - people selling food and crafts and others arriving at their destinations.
We rode through Ayutthaya, the ancient city, where even from the train you can spot the ruins of the old temples that made up the original capital of Siam. Then through Lophburi - a city currently over-run with monkeys. At first none are visible but then as your sharpen your search you notice they are everywhere, hanging from power lines and relaxing on balconies - eating absolutely everything... They are probably pretty nasty too. As we rushed through the countryside, children would come running towards the tracks to wave and race the train and the mountains of the North appeared in the distance.
We ordered dinner and tables were set up between the seats and food was served. I have no idea where it came from - whether it was ordered ahead and brought to the train or whether they had a kitchen car, but it was fresh and tasty. After everyone finished eating, the top sleeping bunks were pulled down and a man came around to make the beds. Curtains were put up for privacy and the car settled into quiet darkness. The constant motion and din of the train engine put me into a deep sleep and I woke up to find myself in Chiang Mai. I said goodbye to my New Zealand friends and continued on to my hotel where I promptly went back to sleep.
Now it is about 10:30 and I have ther rest of my day to enjoy. Tomorrow I head to the Elephant Sanctuary where I will spend one week playing with elephants. I am so excited I might pee my pants... but not really...

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Photos

chedi
A chedi is the tall spire found at a temple

Comments

[Mom]

Awesome
Wow! It all sounds great. And the ease with which you are doing all this traveling and transitioning tells me you've found a good fit in the shoes of a world traveler. Breathe into an elephants trunk for me and have fun. All my love, Mama

[grammy]

just read your blog - wish i were there. love gram

[Jenny]

The Elephant Sanctuary
I've been reading that book that you lent me that I have yet to return, When Elephants Weep, and I was wondering if you were going to spend time at the sanctuary. I cannot wait to see pictures! I loved reading about your train ride, what a great way to see the countryside.

[Lydia]

HEY!!!
I was wondering when you were going to go back there. I kept looking and looking to see if their were any new entries. :o)

[Dawn landry]

Hey Mrs. Paul Thoreaux
So great to read about your new adventures - can't wait to hear about the elephants. I just read this book water for elephants and I've told mike that I want an elephant for my birthday. he says it shouldn't be a problem. i hope he's not lying. Miss you! xoxo!