My Thai Discovery Journey

@soul

some fabulous photographs here...

you must be starting to feel more relaxed in yourself ....

getting to know yourself again?

even learning more about the new you...

a great idea....you will have some wonderful stories and memories to tell your family and friends..

talking about the dogs...are animals...pets..respected and well treated there...

I know in the UK they are almost treated better than family members laugh...of course I have followed through with the tradition and thoroughly spoilt my pets...not better than family though...

lap it all up and reap the rewards

Day 15

So today, I left the little paradise where I was staying to move further into town. I didn’t mind the half hour walk into the centre during the day but at night, it was a bit scary with not so friendly street dogs barking and following me. That necessitated a taxi trip back to my room.

I have checked into a cabin just a ten minute walk from the action and will stay here for two nights before going back to Chiang Mai.

I went back to a great little cafe and enjoyed a Buddha bowl for lunch - a yummy combination of tempeh, beans, avocado and all manner of salad veges with a flavoursome dressing.

Took some time out to do the mundane - washing at a laundromat. Most of the services entail someone doing it for you and hanging your washing out on the footpath or if you’re lucky out the back - something I wasn’t overly keen on. I found a place where you could put in some coins and then sit around waiting for the load to finish. Took back the wet clothes and hung them out on the back deck railing.

At night, I headed into town walking across the bridge over the river. There was a special festival taking place - Loy Krathong is one of the most popular festivals of Thailand celebrated annually on the Full-Moon Day of the Twelfth Lunar Month. The word “Loy” means “to float”, & “Krathong” means lotus-shaped vessel made of banana leaves. A krathong usually contains a candle, 3 joss sticks, some flowers & coins. The festival starts in the evening when there is a full moon in the sky. People carry their krathongs to the river, after lighting candles & joss sticks and making a wish, they gently place the krathongs on the water and let them drift away til they go out of sight. It is believed that krathongs carry away their sins & bad luck, and happiness will come to them.

I floated one down the river and watched a while. Many people were also sending hot air lanterns up into the sky. It was a beautiful sight to behold but I couldn’t help wondering where all this stuff would end up.

Had a vege burger and a fruit smoothie before bedding down for the evening.

Day 16

My last full day in Pai so I went exploring again. Saw that there was a little place nearby that is archery so I thought I’d give it a go for fun. Hadn’t done any of that since high school. Unfortunately the place was closed so I missed out. Got a good walk in anyway. Seems like quite a few businesses aren’t open on a Saturday for some reason.

Disappointment turned to delight when I found a cool little cafe to hang out at - complete with hammock. Spent a couple of hours there relaxing and enjoying the cuisine.

Walked back to the resort and had a swim before heading out later for dinner. The pathway leading to the resort runs through a small waterway on one side and paddy fields on the other. So picturesque.

The Loy Krathong Festival was still going but this evening the full moon wasn’t blocked by clouds and looked spectacular.

There are so many dogs around Pai. Not nearly as pampered as our pets. It’s not unusual for them to be in cafes and stores even just wandering about. Probably belong to the owners but there are wild ones roaming the streets as well.

@soul I loved the elephant, I would have loved to pat her/him. Lucky you. Loving the journey.

Day 17

Left Pai yesterday so I took the opportunity to go for one last early morning walk and wow -was it magical and provided some beautiful meditative moments.

Set off in the cool quiet misty dawn past the paddy fields on my way towards the waterfall track. During the trek I watched the sunrise over the mountains. Just some cattle and chickens were about. I stopped at the entrance to the rough track and had a snack. There were a couple of locals catching frogs and putting them in plastic bags. I don’t think they were intended as pets.

I walked on a bit further until the path became too wet. What a glorious way to start the day.

Then it was time to pack up before heading into the bus station and making that 762 curve journey back to Chiang Mai. Wasn’t as bad as the trip up here. Seems so incredibly busy compared to Pai and I’m kind of wishing I spent more time there.

More things to explore here though and looking forward to new experiences.

Day 18

So here I am back in Chiang Mai wishing I had stayed in Pai. Lots of traffic and noise but I shall make the most of it.

Did some work this morning amidst dodgy internet. Ended up tethering my phone to my iPad until the issue was resolved.

In the afternoon, I went for a walk and took in some sights. Felt like a massage but the little place down the road wasn’t taking customers. I will return another time. Had some simple Thai food - green chicken curry for dinner.