Well we arrived in Pai (pronounced "bye"), a hippie town, on Tuesday afternoon and not to my surprise, I love it here. It is a little town located in this valley surrounded by beautiful mountains dense with bamboo and rosewood trees. To get there, we hired a minivan to take us through the mountains to this little gem. There were many bends and curves in the road leading us there so it felt almost like riding a little kiddie roller coaster to our destination. When we arrived it felt like a small version of Chiang Mai, which was a smaller version of Bangkok and that being said, the smaller the better. The people here are very laid back and easy going. The restaurants and bars are more personal, especially one place called the "Witching Well" where, besides the Thai food I have eaten it is the best food out here so far. We ate there for breakfast yesterday, lunch today and I'm sure we are to make another visit before we leave on Saturday afternoon. The art culture is the basis of this community. Everything has a very unique flavor to it and the inspiration here is endless.
The first place Annie and I stayed at didn't seem too bad when we checked it out but as we got settled in Annie laid down the bed and then she followed with nervous question, did you feel the bed? Besides the first hostel we stayed at in Bangkok we didn't really have a comfortable bed and this one took the cake. I don't think Thai people know the difference between a box spring and a mattress. That bed was probably as comfy as two pieces of cardboard laid out on a marble floor. To say the least we only stayed the one night there and then Annie found this awesome little place around the block. We made the reservation and before we booked they showed us the place. We walked through the back crossing a small bridge over a koi pond and down the gravel path alongside a man made creek that would occasionally zigzag underneath us. Bamboo huts on stilts were scattered around all with their own front deck. When we walked inside there was nice queen sized bed, a bathroom with a separate shower stall (most bathrooms in Thailand double as a shower and toilet in the same area) and a small couch made of bamboo and covered with cushions. The place was awesome. The bed wasn't too bad either so we took it.
Annie and I decided to rent a motorbike to explore the outskirts of Pai. It was nice to have the control to do what we wanted to on our own schedule. We cruised up a small mountain to a look-out point and from there we were able to see what we have been looking at only on our maps. A beautiful view of the valley surrounded by mountains with sharp peaks. The only unfortunate thing was the intense dry hot season were causing brush fires to take away small portions of the greenery on the mountains. None of which was too threatening though.
We then took off and headed to one of the waterfalls not too far from where we were. After a few minutes we arrived to the waterfall which was pretty but I noticed that because of the dry weather the waterfall wasn't at its full capacity. Areas that you could tell the water carved the rock over many years were dry and hot. Some of the plant life that should be a lush green color were brown and dry. Its nothing I'm sure this area hasn't seen it just needs some rain soon.
We are off to explore some hot springs and rest of the evening here so I will catch up to you guys later.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Yesterday, Annie and I took a Thai cooking course. They had use choose from a menu that consisted of a 5 course meal and we then began the process. We went to the market and they discussed in detail what ingredients we would be using and why you were using them. It was very informative. Of all the dishes Annie and I chose (all different ones so we could come back knowing how to cook more dishes) I noticed none of them too difficult to cook. I think the most important part of Thai cooking is the ingredients you use. Many of which may be hard to get in the the States. I recorded almost of the class so if we find the ingredients back at home we will have to have a big Thai feast. We are also trying to do a cooking class in every country we visit so it should be a pretty damn big feast.
We met a couple from Vancouver Esprit and Amy, during the class and we really hit off with them so we decided to go out to dinner with them later that night. We were kinda tired of eating Thai food so we went to an Italian joint and had some pasta that was surprisingly delicious.
We were talking to a Thai couple earlier that day and they recommended that we should check out this jazz club by the North Gate of Chiang Mai. Not too far from where we were staying. We showed up for the last few notes before their first set break but I could tell that we came to the right place. It was crowded with no where to sit but Esprit found a little balcony with a couch over looking the stage. We met another person from Canada (Montreal), Patrick, and he informed me that it was an open mic night. He asked me if I played and I told him I occasionally sit in with my friends if they want a back beat with my djembe. When I returned the question he said that he plays the bass and drums but doesn't play any jazz and that these guys were too good for him to keep up with. He was full of shit. He disappeared before they started playing and then I see him on piano jamming with the guys. He was right about one thing though. These guys were really good. After they finished the second song he pointed up to me and then to bongos set up by the bass player. So I had no choice. It felt great to be a part of and surrounded by that many talented musicians just jamming out, having fun. I must have played for about 20 minutes and we all took a breather while the drummer did is solo. I then noticed the place was so crowded that it over flowed into the street blocking traffic. It was the biggest crowd I ever played in front of and it was an amazing feeling. After the set was over we all celebrated with some beers and whiskey hung out for a little while and then it all started back up again. I decided to sit out the second set and just listen and enjoy with our new friends.
We are off to Pai now so I will post again when I get a good story from there:)
We met a couple from Vancouver Esprit and Amy, during the class and we really hit off with them so we decided to go out to dinner with them later that night. We were kinda tired of eating Thai food so we went to an Italian joint and had some pasta that was surprisingly delicious.
We were talking to a Thai couple earlier that day and they recommended that we should check out this jazz club by the North Gate of Chiang Mai. Not too far from where we were staying. We showed up for the last few notes before their first set break but I could tell that we came to the right place. It was crowded with no where to sit but Esprit found a little balcony with a couch over looking the stage. We met another person from Canada (Montreal), Patrick, and he informed me that it was an open mic night. He asked me if I played and I told him I occasionally sit in with my friends if they want a back beat with my djembe. When I returned the question he said that he plays the bass and drums but doesn't play any jazz and that these guys were too good for him to keep up with. He was full of shit. He disappeared before they started playing and then I see him on piano jamming with the guys. He was right about one thing though. These guys were really good. After they finished the second song he pointed up to me and then to bongos set up by the bass player. So I had no choice. It felt great to be a part of and surrounded by that many talented musicians just jamming out, having fun. I must have played for about 20 minutes and we all took a breather while the drummer did is solo. I then noticed the place was so crowded that it over flowed into the street blocking traffic. It was the biggest crowd I ever played in front of and it was an amazing feeling. After the set was over we all celebrated with some beers and whiskey hung out for a little while and then it all started back up again. I decided to sit out the second set and just listen and enjoy with our new friends.
We are off to Pai now so I will post again when I get a good story from there:)
Monday, March 12, 2012
Ok....elephant training camp. Awesome just plain Awesome. It turned out our roommates, John, from Miami and Marlena, from Connecticut signed up for the same thing so it was nice to have some familiar company with us. The rest of the crew were from China and spoke no English. They pick us up in their van at our hostel at what should have been 8:30. They showed up at 9:30 (Thais are notoriously late to everything). Not too much communication was done to prepare for the day either. We had an idea of what we were doing but it had no order.
We first stopped by a butterfly and orchid farm which was pretty weak. If I wasn't in a butterfly farm I would have thought they were moths. There was no bright beautiful colors just brown and grey butterflies flying around. Some I even wondered how they are flying cause parts of their wings were destroyed. The orchids were pretty but this stop was just to kill some time before we got to the elephant camp. We then took another long drive to the banks of a river and on the other side of the river the elephants were hanging around. But we had to fill some more time and took a bamboo raft ride down the river. Another touristy, uneventful little journey. We jumped off the raft and got back in the van and our driver took up back up the river to where the elephants were. We then got some good news. The crew from China only signed up for elephant rides and we signed up for the training. So it was just the four of us, our two trainers and the three elephants, 2 adults and a little 2 years old that followed his mother around. He was so cute.
The trainers taught us a few commands and threw us right into the deep end. These elephants sat down, on command and they told us to hop on. It was very intimidating. We had to use their leg as step to get on their back. We were riding these things bareback. Nothing to hold on to but the top of his head. In my head I thought an elephants skin would similar to a soft leather or something along those lines. Nope. Rough skin and scattered hairs that felt like little plastic wires on a grooming brush.
The elephant stood up and we just got up and started walking around. The elephant didn't listen to a thing I had to say and he just walked around on his own free will. I was on the back of the mother so the little one followed us around.
We just kind of walked around a small area to get used to the feeling and see if the elephants would warm up to our commands (they didn't but the real trainers were there so it wasn't a big deal).
So our little expedition was about to begin. Annie was the driver first which meant she sat on the neck (the more stable area when your riding bareback) and gave the commands. I sat behind Annie unsure of how to sit on the shoulders of the beast. The terrain made it difficult to keep your balance on the elephant. Some of the paths were very narrow and if you lost your balance you could end up falling down a small cliff into the river. But Annie guided us well through it all and mother and her 2 year old son stopped for a drink by a small creek. I knew what was coming next. It was very hot and the I'm sure the animal wanted to cool off and she did. She filled her trunk and sprayed water over body to help cool down while we were sitting on top. The little one had some fun with too spraying us every once in a while. Annie and I switched spots and I did my best to guide us to the river. after many commands and close calls we finally made it to the river and while we were on her back she dove in. I never would have thought I would experience something so free with a creature of this size. We played in the water with the 3 elephants for about a half hour and the baby elephant was soo much fun. He would hose us down, push us over and occasionally grab you with his trunk. Our trainer was nuts. He was this little Thai guy that had no fear and acted like a little kid. As the larger elephant was in the water, he would stand on his back and then run to the front and jump off the elephants head and into the water. It didn't seem to bother the elephant. He seemed unfazed and it probably helped that the trainer was probably 115 lbs soaking wet.
It was then time to say goodbye and we fed them some bananas and headed to a beautiful waterfall up the road. It was nice to sit at the bottom of the waterfall and let the water rush over your back and shoulders. I finally got a good Thai massage:)
To close out the day we visited a Hill Tribe Village and I'm not too sure why. There was no one around and it was like a poverty ridden community. They choose to live this way so its not quite true but it sure looks like it.
That's all for now and I hope to post another blog soon. See you guys later.
We first stopped by a butterfly and orchid farm which was pretty weak. If I wasn't in a butterfly farm I would have thought they were moths. There was no bright beautiful colors just brown and grey butterflies flying around. Some I even wondered how they are flying cause parts of their wings were destroyed. The orchids were pretty but this stop was just to kill some time before we got to the elephant camp. We then took another long drive to the banks of a river and on the other side of the river the elephants were hanging around. But we had to fill some more time and took a bamboo raft ride down the river. Another touristy, uneventful little journey. We jumped off the raft and got back in the van and our driver took up back up the river to where the elephants were. We then got some good news. The crew from China only signed up for elephant rides and we signed up for the training. So it was just the four of us, our two trainers and the three elephants, 2 adults and a little 2 years old that followed his mother around. He was so cute.
The trainers taught us a few commands and threw us right into the deep end. These elephants sat down, on command and they told us to hop on. It was very intimidating. We had to use their leg as step to get on their back. We were riding these things bareback. Nothing to hold on to but the top of his head. In my head I thought an elephants skin would similar to a soft leather or something along those lines. Nope. Rough skin and scattered hairs that felt like little plastic wires on a grooming brush.
The elephant stood up and we just got up and started walking around. The elephant didn't listen to a thing I had to say and he just walked around on his own free will. I was on the back of the mother so the little one followed us around.
We just kind of walked around a small area to get used to the feeling and see if the elephants would warm up to our commands (they didn't but the real trainers were there so it wasn't a big deal).
So our little expedition was about to begin. Annie was the driver first which meant she sat on the neck (the more stable area when your riding bareback) and gave the commands. I sat behind Annie unsure of how to sit on the shoulders of the beast. The terrain made it difficult to keep your balance on the elephant. Some of the paths were very narrow and if you lost your balance you could end up falling down a small cliff into the river. But Annie guided us well through it all and mother and her 2 year old son stopped for a drink by a small creek. I knew what was coming next. It was very hot and the I'm sure the animal wanted to cool off and she did. She filled her trunk and sprayed water over body to help cool down while we were sitting on top. The little one had some fun with too spraying us every once in a while. Annie and I switched spots and I did my best to guide us to the river. after many commands and close calls we finally made it to the river and while we were on her back she dove in. I never would have thought I would experience something so free with a creature of this size. We played in the water with the 3 elephants for about a half hour and the baby elephant was soo much fun. He would hose us down, push us over and occasionally grab you with his trunk. Our trainer was nuts. He was this little Thai guy that had no fear and acted like a little kid. As the larger elephant was in the water, he would stand on his back and then run to the front and jump off the elephants head and into the water. It didn't seem to bother the elephant. He seemed unfazed and it probably helped that the trainer was probably 115 lbs soaking wet.
It was then time to say goodbye and we fed them some bananas and headed to a beautiful waterfall up the road. It was nice to sit at the bottom of the waterfall and let the water rush over your back and shoulders. I finally got a good Thai massage:)
To close out the day we visited a Hill Tribe Village and I'm not too sure why. There was no one around and it was like a poverty ridden community. They choose to live this way so its not quite true but it sure looks like it.
That's all for now and I hope to post another blog soon. See you guys later.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
On our last day in Bangkok we checked our bags and went out to do some shopping and run some errands. We stopped by a Thai massage place and tried our luck. It would be my first massage I would ever get and after the experience it will certainly be my last. I have felt better playing a tackle football, without stretching and also had not done any physical activity for the months leading up to that. It was three days ago and I still don't have full range in my neck.
Besides all that the trip has been going very well. We took a bus up to Chiang Mai, which is in Northern Thailand and this place is cool. Small cafes, bars, and the shops we visited so far are unique and beautiful. While we were in Bangkok, you find the same merchandise all over the city. Here, from what I gather so far is more handcrafted and more "artsy".
Most of the hostels are cheap but they would like you to participate in the activities they offer. On Monday we are planning to go to an elephant training park where Annie and I will get an elephant to take care of for the day. We ride around on his back, Bathe him and try out a few tricks. I'm really looking forward to that.
On Tuesday we signed up for a cooking class. They take us shopping in the local market and then we choose a few dishes to make. It seems like a lot of fun.
I have limited time on the computer so I have to run. I will give you the details of our future plans later on.
PS: Hope all who went to the Bay Shore Parade had a good time and a drink for Annie and I:)
Besides all that the trip has been going very well. We took a bus up to Chiang Mai, which is in Northern Thailand and this place is cool. Small cafes, bars, and the shops we visited so far are unique and beautiful. While we were in Bangkok, you find the same merchandise all over the city. Here, from what I gather so far is more handcrafted and more "artsy".
Most of the hostels are cheap but they would like you to participate in the activities they offer. On Monday we are planning to go to an elephant training park where Annie and I will get an elephant to take care of for the day. We ride around on his back, Bathe him and try out a few tricks. I'm really looking forward to that.
On Tuesday we signed up for a cooking class. They take us shopping in the local market and then we choose a few dishes to make. It seems like a lot of fun.
I have limited time on the computer so I have to run. I will give you the details of our future plans later on.
PS: Hope all who went to the Bay Shore Parade had a good time and a drink for Annie and I:)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Bangkok
We've been in Bangkok the past few days now and it's an awesome city. Similar to New York City but very different at the same time. Souvenir and food vendors flood the sidewalks and try to get you to buy whatever they have. It gets a little annoying sometimes but at least they are trying to work. It's better than the crackheads back at home that ask for my money for nothing in return.
I thought that the consumers in America were crazy. Bangkok blows them out of the water. Three malls that rival the largest malls I'm accustom too are within walking distance from each other. They each have there own different style. Two are more of the upscale malls (not a good place to be when you are traveling on a tight budget) and another that seems to be crowded with glorified kiosks. At the largest mall, Annie and I bought tickets to a movie and decided to splurge and get the VIP treatment ($20 USD). We didn't even know what we were in store for when we bought them. So we were asked to go there an hour before the movie starts and you are greeted with a cocktail (or soft drink) and invited to sit in the lounge overlooking the theater foyer and enjoy there buffet. The food was pretty good and your waiter comes over and asks what you would like to drink and if you would like popcorn for the movie. Then they ask you to find you seat in the theater and your popcorn and sodas are waiting for you next to your own reclining couch accompanied with pillows and blankets. A call button was there too in case you needed another soda or more popcorn. I don't think I could see another movie back in the States after this experience.
Gift (Annie's friend) took us on a tour of Bangkok on Wednesday and it was a nice experience. It was like we kind of had our own personal tour guide for the day. We some Buddhist temples, old markets, the girls got a Thai massage, rode the ferry, had our fortunes read by a Thai fortune teller and then visited the backpackers haven in Bangkok, Khao San Rd. It was a long day.
Getting back to the fortune teller though. I never had that done before and it was really creepy how much she knew of my past and present. Its not that I didn't believe in them I just didn't think it would be that extreme. Nothing that she said false, well I don't know about the future obviously and I hope shes wrong cause she said I'm going to get sick. Nothing serious, just a bad case of the shits. I guess I have to pay attention to what I eat out here.
Sorry I haven't had the chance to post pics but the computers don't work great and I'm lucky to pull off this blog. I will keep trying though.
I thought that the consumers in America were crazy. Bangkok blows them out of the water. Three malls that rival the largest malls I'm accustom too are within walking distance from each other. They each have there own different style. Two are more of the upscale malls (not a good place to be when you are traveling on a tight budget) and another that seems to be crowded with glorified kiosks. At the largest mall, Annie and I bought tickets to a movie and decided to splurge and get the VIP treatment ($20 USD). We didn't even know what we were in store for when we bought them. So we were asked to go there an hour before the movie starts and you are greeted with a cocktail (or soft drink) and invited to sit in the lounge overlooking the theater foyer and enjoy there buffet. The food was pretty good and your waiter comes over and asks what you would like to drink and if you would like popcorn for the movie. Then they ask you to find you seat in the theater and your popcorn and sodas are waiting for you next to your own reclining couch accompanied with pillows and blankets. A call button was there too in case you needed another soda or more popcorn. I don't think I could see another movie back in the States after this experience.
Gift (Annie's friend) took us on a tour of Bangkok on Wednesday and it was a nice experience. It was like we kind of had our own personal tour guide for the day. We some Buddhist temples, old markets, the girls got a Thai massage, rode the ferry, had our fortunes read by a Thai fortune teller and then visited the backpackers haven in Bangkok, Khao San Rd. It was a long day.
Getting back to the fortune teller though. I never had that done before and it was really creepy how much she knew of my past and present. Its not that I didn't believe in them I just didn't think it would be that extreme. Nothing that she said false, well I don't know about the future obviously and I hope shes wrong cause she said I'm going to get sick. Nothing serious, just a bad case of the shits. I guess I have to pay attention to what I eat out here.
Sorry I haven't had the chance to post pics but the computers don't work great and I'm lucky to pull off this blog. I will keep trying though.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
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