Chiang Mai Part 1

Sorry again that we haven't been writing as much. It's been really busy here. We've been at the office or highschool most days from 8:30 - 8 and then grading in the evening. I think things will get easier once we get a routine figured out. This weekend we're going to Khao Sok which is a National Park near here that supposed to be amazing. It's our boss's favorite place in the world. We're going with Keysa, David, and Keysa's friend from Hawaii.

So here's the first half of our trip. I'll write about the trek and the second half soon.

SATURDAY 20/10/07:
We left on the 3rd class night train Saturday. I do not recommend this means of travel. You're sitting on benches facing two other people. The benches stop at your shoulders about and there's very little leg room. They leave the lights on all night. It was very hard to sleep.
Here are pictures from the night bus.


This is Justin trying to sleep.



SUNDAY 21/10/07
Got into Bangkok around 830am. We went to some bookstores and a mall during the day. We bought a lot of books on this trip since Surat doesnt have many English books to choose from. The mall we went to was super upscale with designer shops and a bunch of American food places - Burger King and Famous Amos. We saw Stardust there- the movie theater was very plush with big reclining seats and carmalized popcorn. We also went to an Irish Pub for really expensive non-Singha beer. Then we went beck to the train station for our 2nd class train to Chiang Mai. Second class was WAY better. We had our own seats and the lights dimmed at night and they fed us dinner and breakfast. On the 3rd class train vendors would come in if you wanted food.

MONDAY 22/10/07
We got in around 8am again and went to our Guest house (Chiang Mai Garden Guest house). It was small but nice. A private room with bath and a hot shower for 200b. The owner spoke fluent English as well and it was very centrally located. We explored Monday and saw some Wats.






We also got a traditional Thai massage at a really fancy place that was recommended. It's a pretty weird experience. The Thai women crawl on your back and put your knees in your thighs and their elbows everywhere. It was a little painful (Justin cried a little because he has something wrong with his shoulder that they were working on). But afterwards Justin's shoulder felt a lot better so that was good. We might try to start going regularly in Surat.
In the evening we went to the Night Bazaar which is just this big long street where the sidewalks are all filled with stalls selling souvenirs. We got some good gifts and fun lights for our house.
Here are some pictures from the night bazaar.


Here's Justin drinking a Guinness for 180 baht ($6) ee.



TUESDAY 23/10/07
We tried to go to this National Park where the tallest mountain in Thailand is, but it was far away and hard to get to by bus, so instead we went to Doi Suthep which is a closer mountain. We rented a motorbike and drove up to the top. It was a scary but with pretty views. There was a Wat at the top that was very beautiful, but a little touristy.





On the way back we stopped at an arboretum and walked around. That night we went to the night bazaar and then back home to pack for the trek we were going on on Wednesday that was organized through our Guesthouse.

Hope everyone is well!!