tourist time

What a time we're having! This week we've been lapping up all the touristy treats the city of Chiang Mai has to offer. It's the second largest city in Thailand. We first rented a scooter and drove around getting the lay of the land and checked out many local wats which are beautifully decorated temples of worship. In the evening it was off to the sunday night walking street market. I am sure it is called that as there is barley room to walk, perhaps it should be called the sunday night shuffle. There were literally thousands of tourists and Thais on the street. We are told that it will only get busier in the weeks to follow as it approaches high season. Tons of treasures to be discovered without the heavy sales tactics (nice). I especially loved the lamps and beautiful bowls and platters made of two tone mango wood. A shoppers paradise, that.s for sure with amazing selection and prices out of this world. We ate dinner at the market with an amazing choice of sushi, soups, spicy salads, spring rolls. kabobs, pad thai, etc.... We lasted a couple hours with the masses then had enough of the crowds and smells eminating from other sweaty shoppers. Steve found our way out on a side street close to our guesthouse (I became a little clausterphobic and was completely turned around). The next day we headed off to the zoo and aquarium on our trusty scooter. There was plenty of wildlife to view but our faves were the monkeys. again. The aquarium was great as it had this huge tunnel you walk through where the fish around and above, very cool. One section was salt water and the second was fresh. We checked out the four seasons hotel for lunch as it was recommended for the view and tasty food, as it turns out we are discovering that our budget is more like one season. One Chang beer was 220 baht (7.50 Cdn), ouch. Here we usually pay 30 - 50 baht (1.00 - 1.50 Cdn). The hotel was gorgeous and the views beautiful but way to pricey. The next day we boarded a mini van and were off to a little rasta town called Pai, 3 1/2 hrs away to the north west and close to the Burmese boarder. The road was very windy (we were for warned) therefore we grabbed the front seats so I could avoid motion sickness. It was interesting to watch how they drive and use their signals to let the drivers behind know when it's safe to pass. Here it's left side driving, so the vehicle in front would turn on his right signal to let us know it was unsafe, and signal to the left to let us know it was safe. A bit confusing but once understood made a lot of sense. The highway would be described as the windiest section of west side road on the Kelowna side and travel that for a few hours. We were picked up by Santi who worked at the guesthouse, a very likable shy guy that was raised in the Esan province. The area is known for it's poor hard working farmers. He was very happy to be able to practice his English with us. We settled nicely into our funky little bungalo near the base of a mountain. This place was so peaceful with rice fields and skinny cows surrounding us. The bungalos were circular, sort of like a yurt, with concrete walls, a thatched roof, and a rooftop deck that was great for viewing evening stars and soaring lit canvas lanterns. At night the frogs and geckos wooed us to sleep with their symphony of songs. There was no aircon and didn't need it as the evenings were cool enough. It was great to sleep with the sounds and the sweet smelling fresh mountain air. Steve rented our third scooter and was happy to show off our new ride, a sweet new cherry red suzuki with only 111 km`s. It had a bit more power which was great for lugging us farangs into the hills checking out the local waterfalls and sights. We swam in the clear water pools at one of the waterfalls and baked on the rocks, nice afternoon. Later we checked out the town which has more guesthouses than local shanties. Pai's a touristy spot full of granolas sporting plenty of tats and dreadlocks. We thought we had time traveled back into the Kootneys. Later we found the farang-less (locals only) quiet evening market and bought some suspicious snacks. Steve fed it to the dogs and even they did not want it. Lots of laughter, then off to a real restuarant. Usually the off the cart food is delicious but not tonight! We met some very nice mid 20ish people from Israel. It was very interesting chatting with them. In their country after finishing high school they're sent off to military school. The women go for two years and the men for three. Because their country is surrounded by hostile neighbours, it's important they're ready and equipped with skills to defend. Cannot imagine that thought process. We're quite privileged being raised in Canada and sometimes we just need to get out and talk to other people from around the world to REALLY see it! As mentioned before, we are VERY lucky!

The weather has been warm, 29C to 33C every day, and for Steve he is again counting the sockless days, only wearing them for mountain biking. The next day we were off to hike around the natural hot springs, holy, hot, hot, hot. At the source the water temperature was 80C and as it flowed downstream there was a cooling effect. Not too sure how hot it was but I could not lay there as long as Steve. The cool shower after felt great. Back at the guesthouse we spent a couple hours sharing wine and talking to Santi and learning about his upbringing and northernThai people. What an eye opener, we have so much and take so much for granted. Later it was off to find a place for dinner, a little ride out of town and we stumble across this full on Thai BBQ buffet. Yet another new experience. The owner took us around and explained how the whole process works. First you get the meat, tofu, veggies and spices , then you take your goodies to your table where they have now brought a container full of hot coals with a large domelike pot with a chunk of pork fat on top of it. You then rub the fat to season the cook wear. They also give you a large teapot filled with broth, then you put your meat on first as it will take the longest to cook then later add your veggies, spices and lastly the noodles as they take about one minute to cook. The outer rim is for the broth. Very tasty and fun to hang out and watch the locals.

The next day was an incredable afternoon spent riding bareback on top of Penagn our elephant. She was so gentle in nature but bumpy to ride. She's 50 years old and led us along with our guide who walks behind her, smelling her wicked farts and keeping her from heading down steep slopes. It was one of the things that I've always wanted to do, you know the bucket list thing, only regret is not wearing pants since their skin is not soft and smooth but coarse with prickly hairs a couple inches long. Way worse than Steve's day old facial growth other wise known as prick face. We rode for a couple hours through the mountains and down to the river where we played and got tossed in. Penagn would lower her head into the water and we were told to lean back and hang on to this plastic covered chain. She'd lift her head and start shaking like a dog. I was the first to fly off! Steve was able to stand on her bony backside like a wanna be circus performer. What a rush it was to play in the river and have her spray trunk fulls of water on us over and over again! Great day and later we got soak in the camp's hot spring fed hot tubs. Next day we said our goodbyes to Santi, it was very special to have him hug both Steve and I as the Thais typically do not show signs of affection in public. There he was hugging us both on the street, exchanging email addresses and offering assistance in the future. It's back to Chiang Mai to start planning the next adventure.