Finally arrived into Chiang Mai after 15hrs on the sleeper train from Bangkok - what an experience that was!  Our first misdemeanour was having separate seats on the train and having the only unfriendly Thai in the country opposite me - absolutely no swapping, and off to bed within an hour of departure leaving Hayley seat-less.  Our only option, the buffet cart.  However this was no ordinary buffet cart, more like a rocking, flashing, singing and dancing if you liked cart!  We stayed here til 11 (when they kicked us out) with a dutch couple.  Sleeping was interesting as we were both on top bunks.  Space was somewhat limited and Rich only just fitted in his bed!  We were awoken at 7.30 for a very dubious breakfast of eggs, toast, ham and pineapple - yum!  Luckily we had our guesthouse booked and a guy was waiting for us at the station as we had rather wobbly legs (and heads) from the "smooth" journey!   We caught up on some more restful sleep in the afternoon and headed to the night bazaar in the evening.  A refreshing change from Bangkok as we were virtually left alone - most stall holders were more interested in their portable tv's!

The next morning we packed up for our 3 day jungle trek north of Chiang Mai.  We started well by being the last on the somewhat packed bus (not our fault!).  Instead of the usual 12 people, our driver was packing in 18 inside, 2 on the roof - don't worry, not us!  After an unexpected 3 stops (nothing is direct in Thailand!) we arrived.  Our trek began with a leisurely lunch and an introduction to the people we would be with.  Definitely an assorted bunch, 3 Irish, 2 Dutch, 2 Slovenian, 2 Mexican and 2 Israeli - luckily everyone spoke English.  And then off into the jungle with our tour guide, James Bond (unfortunately not the real one, but easier to pronounce than his Thai name, and favoured by his Mum!).  The first day was literally ALL uphill and very demanding in 30+ heat.  It felt as though the water we were drinking was literally leaking straight back out of us!   Well worth the views though.  We spent the first night in a Lahu hill tribe village 1200m above sea.  Our room was literally 14 "spaces" on the floor with mosquito nets around them.  We sat around a campfire warming up from our cold shower - although we were sure they were hiding a power shower somewhere else in the village!  Dinner was green Thai curry, and definitely well deserved.  We chatted the night away, helped along by the Thai staple - Chang!  It was also at this point in the day we were informed that one of the rivers we had crossed in the rice fields was in fact home to a rather poisonous snake - not sure if pleased to find that out now or not?!  Day 2 of the trek was more leisurely with the added incentive of a waterfall dip at lunch.  And then on through the jungle to our next camp.  Another night around the fire - this time with red Thai curry - but still more Chang!  Accomodation was similar to the previous night - although the toilet was up a steep hill and not much fun in the pitch black night.  Day 3 was much more fun with a short trek to an elephant camp for elephant riding (dont' worry Nigel, your picture is on it's way!).  This was followed by white water rafting and then a more leisurely bamboo raft.  We had our final meal together (more noodles in another bamboo shelther!) with an added suprise - fried bamboo worms!  These are literally found inside the bamboo trees and our kind guide had been saving them up as a treat for us.  You'll be proud to know that it wasn't only Rich that sampled them - yummy! 

All in all a great few days, and nice to spend time with the same people for more than an hour.  We all poured back into the minibus for the journey back - amazingly we were all at the same guesthouse without even knowing, so continued on that night with dinner and drinks and some serious Thai jenga!!!!  Oh and what night is complete without a quick food stop on the way home - only instead of a dodgy kebab we found an all night fried cricket stall - lovely! 

Next stop Pai.......