Chiang Mai, Thailand

We decided to get the overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. It was fine, we got there quick enough. But it wasn't all plain sailing. In the middle of the night we got to a petrol station and we were all told that it was the final stop. We were all told to get into two red vans. We didn't know what was going on. Looked very suspicious, but we got there in one piece. For our first night we decided to book into a hotel, The Ramming Lodge. It was really luxurious. Then we realized that we need to start being real backpackers, so it was time for a dorm. Just down the road from the hotel we found a newish hostel, SoHostel. It's a really cool place and we have made loads of new friends, including Jackson from west Australia, Jesse from California, Kathrin from Switzerland and John from Canada, to name but a few. Chiang Mai is the complete opposite to Bangkok. It's really peaceful and laid back. It's also really safe. There are some really beautiful temples from all the art work and all the detail that goes into the building of the temples. You could be walking along and suddenly you find the most beautiful temple in the middle of a busy street. I find that there really nice to visit and really peaceful places. On our first night here we discovered a really cool bar, Carnival Bar. We got pally with one of the barmaids, Pat. Jason had great fun with the pool table. He even played the manager. At first she seems really scary but she is really nice and good fun. She calls Jason her son and me her husband. Lucky me! Lol. It was one of the barmaids birthday so they decided to have a BBQ for her. The pork skewers were jamazing. With a bad hangover one of the mornings, we all decided to rent out scooters. I couldn't drive it because my legs are too long, so I went on the back of Jason's. It was scary at first but turned out to be a really cool experience. Going up the mountains was so surreal. It was beautiful. We made our way up to the top of the mountain to visit a big temple. We didn't realize that there were so many steps up to the temple. But, after all the steps, it was worth it. What an amazing place. It was so beautiful. Even the views of the city were incredible. Getting home was really interesting though. When we got close to the hostel, we were drenched from all the water thrown at us. The Songkran had begun, early but it had definitely started. The following day was the first full day of it. What an experience. Everyone was out enjoying themselves. I don't think there was a dry person to be seen. It was crazy. Like a riot but without the violence. Everyone was having a brilliant time. It was absolute chaos, but what an experience. It was brilliant. Everyone throwing ice cold water over everyone. The best part was when a red pickup truck was driving past. I'm sorry to say, they didn't stand a chance with us. Sorry guys! Each night we all seemed to end up at Zoe's. I think it must be our new local. It’s a really good spot, with good music. During the Songkran they had a whole dance area outside that was packed every night. It was really nice because you could look up to a full moon. They had a cool disco ball with lights everywhere with oxygen sprays all synced to the music. For good food and good browse through the markets, the Night Bizarre is a must. This place is huge. There was plenty to eat and see. One of our favorite things so far has to be our trip to Tiger Kingdom. What an experience. We got to lie next to them, even an adult one. It was incredible. I was taking photos of a Siberian tiger that was locked in a cage that pounced on me. My heart has never pumped so much. And after that, I went into an open area with large tigers. Think I must be crazy. But where else could you do something like that. It was an amazing experience. The Big Adventure is here to stay. After our amazing trip, we all went for food in a Taste of Heaven. It really was like being in heaven. The food was amazing and it was all vegetarian. Today might have started off not so good, as I was not feeling too good from a head cold. However, it did not put a damper on the day. I and Jason had the most incredible experience ever. We went on a tour to an elephant rescue center high up in the mountains. What a day out we had. We got there and all these elephants were just standing there. It was amazing. Soon we were feeding them bananas and sugar canes. They were able to take them off us and put them in their mouths. If we held the item high enough, they opened their mouth so we could throw it in. While we were been given different phrases for the elephants of commands for them, I was petting a baby one. I wish I didn't now as he pushed me out of the way with his trunk. Jason managed to get the whole thing on video, of which everyone on the bus back had a great laugh over. But it was funny. The best part of the day was going for a ride with one of them, scary at first but the most amazing thing I have ever done. It was even better than the tigers. Our elephant was only five, the oldest one there was forty-seven. He was very playful. Kept on stopping for branches but he was really fast. We went on a ride to a small lake where we were able to wash our elephant to allow him to cool down. It was amazing. When we were coming back, he was trying to get in front of the other elephants, some wouldn't let him, but he did win the race in the end. When we got back to the camp, there was a lovely meal ready for us, where we got some interesting facts about the elephants. Apparently the Asian elephants love people and are very friendly. They have the same life span as a human and they are very clever. They never forget and they also have great hearing. What is also incredible is that they never lie down when they are sleeping and spend ninety per-cent of their lives standing, as not to be attacked by a tiger. Only a baby elephant will lie down while sleeping. And in this case, two females will stand over it to protect it while the male will stand guard protecting the female. What amazing creatures they are. The following day was to be our last in Chiang Mai. But we still managed to have an amazing day. We may have been up early, but it was worth it. Jason and I decided to do a Thai cooking course. The day started off at large food market which was interesting. I did a Tom Yung Goong Thai Soup, a Thai Green Curry, a Pad Thai, Papaya Salad and Mango Sticky Rice. Jason cooked a Spicy Chicken & Thai Herb Soup, a Massaman Curry, Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls, Garlic Chicken with Cashew Nuts and Fried Carmel Bananas with Ice-Cream. They were all so easy to cook. Most only take around five minutes, but they are all amazing with so much flavor. I thought it would have been very stressful with a lot to do, but it was the complete opposite. We actually spent most of the day eating and chatting to each other. It is definitely well worth a visit, especially if you want to cook real authentic Thai food, and the best part is, it's so easy to cook, but everything is full of flavor. At the end of the day, we both received a certificate for completion of the course. So I guess I can now cook Thai food! We really have enjoyed our time in Chiang Mai. It’s very peaceful. We would definitely recommend a visit and I think it is one place we will come back to.

By Andrew

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