On Train to Chang Mai

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The first day of our tour started with an early morning breakfast and mild panic trying to tidy up and pack as our room had been designated ‘the day room’ for everyone on the trip. This wasn’t helped by the fact that we’d agreed to merge our cases and leave one behind in Bangkok. Rather stunned that we eventually managed to do this and they both weighed in at 22kg! We’d also managed to amuse most of our fellow travellers during the exercise!!

We set off with our local guide walking down to the river. Those who know me well would be impressed at the speed I managed to walk ... those who know me really well would be even more impressed with the fact that this was whilst walking through ‘little India’ - fabric heaven! Needless to say, I’ve already warned John that I’m going back there on our return to Bangkok!

We had another exciting journey through the canals, followed by a tour around Wat Pho - a Thai temple with a huge reclining gold Buddha. The room in which he reclines is wonderfully decorated with ancient murals which are often studied by history scholars. In another part of the temple area there were pictures showing acupuncture points, and yet another part with statues showing yoga poses (strangely there were none showing people laying in the dark snoring, which is the only one I managed to master before Gwyneth gave up on me!).

John and I split from the other members of the tour to go off on a public water bus and travelled to the final stop way out of the main city. Very relaxing, nice and cool, and we both have to admit to nodding off for a few minutes...!
So, where are we now? We’re sitting on a train en route to Chiang Mai. Some of the guys are eating their dinner - we ate at the station and are just supping a beer. We’ve ordered our breakfast ... because this is our first experience of a sleeper train in Thailand! We’re in a long carriage, sitting opposite each other, with two of the guys on the trip sitting the other side of the gangway. Apparently someone will come round and make our beds up later (John’s up top), but I think we all have a slight feeling of trepidation ... not least due to trips to the loo in the night!!
But, as they say, all part of life’s rich tapestry!!

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Comments

[caroline langley]

hello
Hi Valerie and John just looking at your photo's.... looks like your having a fab time. We went to Thailand a few years back and it brings back great memories. Enjoy yourselves and have fun. xxxxx

[Simon and Au]

Bringing back memories...
Please to hear that you are having a wonderful time so far. Hope you have survived that train journey. Should be somewhat cooler up there at this time of year! Your writings and photos are bringing back many memories. The 'little India' area is called Pahurat Cloth Market and Au says that it is the best and cheapest place in BKK for textiles. Have fun in the north...and keep those postings coming. They are making life for us on a dreary Jan day just that bit more interesting!

[Sarah Barrowclough]

Bon Voyage and Hello!!!
Hi Guys, Sorry I didn't manage to get in touch again before you left - the weather kind of got in the way - had to spend a night in Aldeburgh!! Looks like you are having a fab time already - I'm sooooo.... jealous!! Had a day out with Janet on Saturday - QH and then Bungay - and it peeed with rain all day. Don't you wish you could have a sewing room beside the river like the girl in your picture!!! Catch up soon, Sarah