Hi all!

I've had a relaxing few days to help me get over my trek! We found out that we had access to a 5star hotel while we were staying in ours so we've all been spending most of our time there. It's so nice - jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym etc.

On the Sunday night we all went out but they had the alcohol ban on again because of the elections but they finished at 12 so we stayed up & it turned in to an all-nighter. This wasn't good for me because I had to be up at 6 the next day for a day trip to Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle. I thought it would be better if I just didn't go to bed at all - not the best decision I ever made!

The trip was nice, although I think everything will now pale in comparison to the trekking. We first stopped off at a hot spring. We couldn't touch the water because it was literally boiling but it was interesting to see. Apparently sooner or later they will build a spa on it for the tourists so it's a rare sight.

Then we went to see the Karen long neck tribe. The tribe we stayed with during trekking, that was Karen but these were slightly different in their beliefs. The women wear brass coils around their neck which is how they got the long neck name. It was quite interesting, they do it to protect their necks. Apparently, a long time ago the tribe was attacked by tigers, who kill by biting their prey by the neck, & several of the tribes women were killed so they started wearing the coils. It doesn't actually make their necks longer, it pushes their chest down which gives the same impression. They girls start wearing one when they're 5 & they can't take it off until death because it weakens all the muscles in the neck which is very dangerous.

Then we went to the Golden Triangle where you can look out to Burma, Laos & Thailand. The others went on a boat trip but I didn't because it was expensive & I'll have to do it when I cross into Laos anyway. I stayed behind & visited the Opium House (don't panic - it's a museum).

On the way back we visited a really nice temple. Definitely the best I've seen so far - & I've seen a lot! All white with magnificent detail. Check out the pics.

Today & yesterday I've just been chilling out. Me & Dennis went to the cinema which was weird. Before the film they started playing what I assume was the national anthem & played a short film about the king so we all stood up to show our respect. They think a lot of the royal family over here. I did a bit of shopping & tried to find some fake tan. That's right, my legs are still lilly white & I'm sick of it. However I couldn't find any at all, everyone here tries to make themselves look whiter rather than more tanned so it's all skin whiteners. Very funny compared to home.

It was Thomas's birthday yesterday so we went out to celebrate which was funny. Everyone has moved on today. Thomas & Marriane are on their way to Phuket & Dennis is off to a homestay on the Cambodian/Thailand border. It was really sad to say goodbye. I'd been spending so much time with them I'd started understanding Danish! Think a trip to Denmark is in order when I get home.

I'm off to Laos tomorrow. Not sure how long it will take, I have to get a slow boat & that can take 3 days apparently. That's why they call it a slow boat! So when you hear from me next it'll be from Laos - that's if they even have computers over there!