Chiang Mai has been fantastic. Took the 12 HOUR bus journey from Bangkok last Sunday and it's been non-stop since then! Went on a two day trek (was originally 3 days but I changed it once I realised what I was in for!!!) in North West Chiang Mai Jungle and up to the hill tribe Lahu village. I have no idea how many metres I climbed but it took more than the 3 hours the guide had promised me (more like 5)! By the time we reached the top I couldn't take another single step, I was exhausted! I don't know what I was thinking - I smoke 20 a day and eat chinese food like there's no tomorrow, my fitness level is apalling! Despite being one of the hardest things I've ever done it was actually the most rewarding and the views from up there were amazing. The villagers made us feel really welcome and spending the rest of the night round the camp fire was a great laugh.The next day we trekked back down (bliss) halfway to a waterfall and then the rest of the way to the elephant camp where we had 1 1/2 hr elephant ride along the river. After that we went white water rafting (sorry mum, I am trying to stay out of danger I promise!) half way along the river and then bamboo rafting for the remainder of the journey back to the pick-up truck taking us back to town. The rafting was excellent (although we were'nt actually given any advice on how to do it and we got stuck by some rocks a couple of times - again sorry mum!) The guide was telling us to paddle left when he actually meant right! The next day we were all up bright and early (Grrrrrr) for a Thai cooking course. I am now an expert ovbiously - I have a certificate that says so. Spent the next day sleeping then spending some Baht at the amazing night market - the stalls just go on forever! Took a trip to the golden triangle at the top of Thailand yesterday. You can see the land of Laos and Burma (and Thailand obviously) with the Mekong river running between. This is apparently where all the opium trade existed in the past!)While there I crossed the border to Burma and got another stamp for the passport. On the way back we stopped at the Long Neck village - a tiny village where the women literally have really long necks funnily enough! They wear heavy gold chains round their necks from a young age and more and more are added- it looked soo painful! I was assured that they didn't mind us being there gawping at them! Am now at the border of Thailand and Laos - heading to Laos by boat in the morning. Have really enjoyed myself here and met some great people. Anyway better go as my 'postcard' has turned into an essay! Will update from Laos... xxx