Finally arrived in Chiang Mai, it took me 23 hours and it may seem a bit sadistic but it was pretty cool, mainly as there were a lot of new experiences thrown in. It's funny as these type of journeys are now second nature, pretty hard to believe that i used to get frustrated with an 8 hour journey to the Canaries in the comfort of a plane, with the luxury of a tapa n vino in Madrid?.

Well i left Siem Reap first thing yesterday with very fond memories, the last being stood on the top of the Phnom Bakheng temple watching the sun go down, a really awesome experience, there was a massive crowd, all silent -it might have something to do with the steep climb to get to the best vantage point - incredible. I bumped into so many friends again, Lyndsey from the floating hotel on the Mekong & the Swedish girls from a night out in Hoi An, had a chat as the sunset.

The bus to the Poipet border (i use the term bus lightly), well it was old and dirty, very dusty in fact with old, stiff, upright seats, no aircon, and no luggage compartment so baggage was stacked in every available space. After over 5 hours (for a journey around 100 km) i can appreciate the reason, there are no roads, or at least they are in construction for most of the part. Some guys that have travelled before say that it's a massive improvement so god only knows how it must have been - some say it has taken over 10 hours previously. I was filthy when i got off but it's quite liberating to feel like that when your travelling, it's all part of the experience. Surprised at the border, it was really quick, although i was a bit concerned, everyone was met by a guide (i paid $10, most paid $12), anyway i just wandered through the border and found my agent. It turned out pretty well, i ended up on a minibus to Bangkok, quicker than the fancy bus and i met two tour guides who i talked to for the 3 hours, gave me food for thought for the future.

The sun was just going down as we got close to Bangkok, a really clear night and the reflection of the sun was bouncing of the paddy fields, in fact the whole journey was very scenic with local farmers fishing and plying thier trade.

Bangkok was alive, the xmas lights were impressive and there was a buzz about the city as it was the Kings Birthday. There were people lining the streets with candles and singing the national anthem, all dressed in yellow as this is the Kings colour, they are so patriotic. I must admit i was tempted to get out on the Khao San road and have a night out, in fact i may well still fly out of Bangkok. Anyway i needed to push on, got some great advise from a surfer dude i was talking to on the bus, i got a taxi (metered $2) to Mon Chit bus station and managed to get a seat on the 21.30 VIP bus. It's a bit confusing, there must be 30 ticket offices, not much in English and they all seem to be taking the same route?!. I made a guess and booked a seat and had an hours wait, i only briefly saw one group of 'westerners'' at the station, i've been used to loads of backpackers around so this was a new experience, enjoyed the people watching (although most were watching me!). The bus was a bit bizarre, in terms of decoration, wall to wall red flowered carpet, with blue illuminous lights, and dainty electric blue curtains and neck rests with yellow flowered edges. The seats looked hard but were dead comfy with a built in massage, fully reclinable seats and a foot rest. The service was 1st class a hostess gave us rice green tea, water and a box of goodies (cakes n stuff). There were massive TV's with what looked like top of the pops to start and then what looked like a version of kamikazi which all were giggling at. I was the only westerner on the bus and there was a scene with a red telephone box in what looked like a London scene so i think they were taking the p-ss out of the Brits (not surprising). I slept like a log then the lights come on at 01.00 and everyone got off, we went to a VIP lounge in a service station and there was a free buffett?, it was delicious, sat with the young couple sat by me on the bus and had a laugh - mostly talking football - they are footy crazy here. Back to sleep and woke at 07.00, a great journey and amazing value at $10. As i got off the bus i gave my sky blues shirt to the lad and he was over the moon, i was looking for an outlet to 'spread the word' and get Cov on the map in Asia - well i've done my little bit.

On a recommendation from Alan n Claire i got room at the bmpresident backpackers place, it's cheap enough, got my own room, double bed, hot water and it's clean. Just out of the square but a short walk to the centre. To liven up i had a shower, just as i was checking the place out i saw a couple of Irish lads (big vodka boys) i met in Ha Long Bay (3 weeks ago), can't believe it, anyway were meeting up for a few beers later. Good stuff.

Loads going on here and just sorting it out now, i've already booked onto a trek tomorrow with an overnight in the jungle, elephant ride, meeting tribes, boat trip etc. A couple of days later i booked a cooking course with a trip to the local market and i cook a 6 course meal, then i get to eat it !!. First impressions are that it's a really chilled, healthy, active place - suits me. Just had a delicious muesli with fresh fruit and a lemongrass tea to detox - well until tonight.

Looks like a really cool few days lined up again, they just keep coming !