Trains, Elephants and Bamboo Rafts

Chiang Mai - December 13th-20th

Train to Chang Mai:

Could this train be any longer?
I was yelled at by the train dude whose sole responsibility is blanket and pillow replacement, then I was stuck with a psycho, whom I have since referred to as "The Klaus". Jumping doesn`t seem so bad at this point.

Thai Cooking Course:

Did I mention that I love Thai food? Well now I can cook it too! Favourite Dishes include Green Curry with Chicken, Red Curry with Fish, and Glass Noodle Soup with Pork. A RAAWY!! (Holy Freaking Delicious!! in Thai)

3-day Trek:

Although I enjoy hiking, this trip was a little intense! 8 km uphill on Day 1, 14 km uphill and downhill on Day 2, and 10 km downhill on Day 3.

We stayed overnight at a hilltribe village which has no electricity except for a recently installed solar panel that powers one television set where Thai Boxing matches are shown on a daily basis.

The last day was spent swimming at a waterfall, elephant riding, white water rafting and bamboo rafting. My favourite was the white water rafting because we had a waterfight against the other boats and got completely soaked. Kinda sorta like my 10th grade camping trip in Algonquin Park. 6-pack!!

After taking a day off to relax and partake in another yoga class, I did some touring on my cherry red bicycle (biiiiiiiclye...BIIIIIICYLE!!! Any Queen fans in the house?), shopping at the Chang Mai Night Bazzar and enjoying frequent meals at Aum Vegetarian Restaurant.

Highlights: 1) Peanut, my rental elephant. 2) Red Lightnin`, my rental bicyle, 3) The plethora of used book stores in the city 4) Sampon the Thai Master Chef, and 5) The Aum Veggie Goddess.