So my last few days in Chiang Mai were quite eventful. I went on a multiactivity day with a couple of 'out of control' Aussies (that was there favourite phrase) who built prisons and hunted wild pigs for a living. Everything was indeed out of control. Dressed in some exotic and sexy maternity wear we started Mahout training - learning to ride and command elephants while constantly feeding them 'bon bons' (bananas to all you non-elephants). After a quick bath and water fight with our friendly beasts (the elephants, not the Aussies) we trekked to a nearby waterfall and then did some white water rafting. As its currently low season, the river is essentially a babbling brook so we often found ourselves perched on top of a boulder, nursing our bruised arses. To end the day we then boarded a bamboo raft where we 'floated' (dragged on the bottom) back to land.
After a day of being assaulted it was time to look after number one so I got my first and well-needed hair cut and beard trim in 6 weeks. Now that I don't look like Tom Hanks from Castaway, I then treated myself to my first ever Thai massage. I'd like to tell you that I enjoyed it but really it was actually quite painful and awkward. Dressed as a shit aladdin, I had my leg wrapped around my head ad my arms twisted behind my back whilst being mounted by the masseuse. I didn't dare open my eyes incase we had that awkward moment where our eyes met while I was precariously positioned. I think I felt worse off than when I first walked into the shop. Still, it can be ticked off the bucket list.
From Changers I drove 4 hours up the mountains to the hippy town of Pai on my nippy 125cc scooter. It was far from a crotch rocket but that didn't stop me from apexing corners like Louis Hamilton. Very fun but again, my arse took a battering from the journey. So what to say about Pai? Well, as stated, it's full of dread-locked hippies in mc hammer pants and most of the population are either hungover or blitzed on opium or weed so its obviously very chilled. As for my accommodation, it was essentially a tree house made of bamboo. A childhood dream! Obviously I chose the top bunk like an excited child. It's also in Pai that I was introduced to the cheap and often cheerful Hong Thong Thai whisky - a heady spirit best mixed with coke or sprite. I say best, but it tastes awful no matter what you try to dilute it with. The phrase 'can't polish a turd' comes to mind. Fundamentally though Pai was a brilliant place and I've met an equally brilliant and entertaining group of lone travellers who've now become my drinking and travel buddies.
From Pai it was back on the windy road back to Changers, pushing 100km/hr on the moped which was hair raisingly fun. After another big night out in the city we all got the slow boat from the Thai border along the Mekong river down into Laos. The journey was pretty entertaining, yet more drinking and card games. I promise I am doing cultural things too aside from destroying my liver... Does it count if its in an exotic country though? I'm now in Vang Vieng, a chilled out city with a beautiful landscape. The setting sun behind the mountains is an impressive sight. Today we rented motorbikes and drove to a few waterfalls and a blue lagoon. It's hotter than hell here so the freezing mountain water was indeed welcomed. Tomorrow we're doing the infamous tubing down the river. Should be a laugh. Ill try not to get myself killed. Can't guarantee anything though...
Righty ho, that's enough travel goss for now! Hope all is well with you all! I'd like to say I'm missing you terribly but it's hard when I've got such amazing surrounding. I do miss you guys though. At least a bit...
Much love!
Ps - I obviously made it here safely, I did get car sick though...
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