Hi Everyone,

Apologies that the photo is not one of my own but, it is a night market scene if nothing else. I was still in Chiang Rai when I went to the Night market which is exceptional and like Chiang Mai is more of a social event than anything else. Two roads were closed off in order that the hundreds of stalls could set up and spread along the centre and both sides of the thougherfare which quickly became a shuffling alley. Families came out together to eat and meet others it is a lovely scene. The hill tribes are more evident here and many wear traditional costume, if this was a purely tourist area you could almost believe that they did this just for effect but Chiang Rai is not very touristy and I am assured that this is very normal. The effect is one of great colour and drama with stalls selling handicrafts like scarves, jumpers, bags and shoes all of which are great value and lanterns of every description, I really wish I could buy some of this stuff but I simply can not carry it. The night I was there trees and lamp standards were decorated in yellow paper lanterns and illuminated with lights, it was a stunning spectacle and as I have said on previous occasions I really feel these markets are social events for the local people.

Having made a few purchases I had decided to find a bar before I headed back. Nong had told me the quickest way to the market but had also warned me that I would have to go past some GoGo bars. Not a problem! Well I thought it would be interesting and a slight diversion from shopping, so I headed back via that area. Chiang Rai has a very small area with this type of primis and to be honest you could easily spend time in the town and not know that it is there at all. It is also very tame. I found a bar, but pricipally because it had a large TV screne which was showing the Premier League. Due to the time difference, it is possible to sit and watch a live game late at night with a beer and 'a bit of company'! Actually I didn't get hassled at all and found myself in the company of 2 Geordie lads and their friend from the west country. We watched Newcastle V Chelsea and then went our separate ways having had a great laugh and a really good night.

The following day I returned to Chiang Mai via the VIP bus, good value at 280 Bht but I wished I had stuck with the normal GreenBus as the one I was on was freezing cold, the temperature outside was around 30 but with the AirCon full on I was so cold. It was a comfortable journey other than that and I arrived at my destination, dumped my kit in my room all within three and a half hours. The Staff were actually pleased to see me, I have stayed before, which was nice so having unloaded everything I returned to reception and found that I had been invited out to dinner, booked a two day trekking trip and been relieved of a load of money all within ten minutes. They are good these people. Actually I had it all planned it is just that the Staff are so efficient you end up in a bit of a whirl and just wonder how it all happened so fast!

We were all to meet in the Chiang Mai Sunday market and I wont bore you with the story other than to say that it was a nightmare. I thought being Farang that I would stand out enogh for them to notice me but clearly not, so nearly an hour and a half later we met at one of the food stalls iby the side of a temple. I was starving, well not really but you know what I mean. I ate the most gorgeous king prawns and rice, had drinks and a few other bits and pieces for 5 pounds, wonderfull. We were late because of the delay so after a quick discussion (nothing is quick in these markets apart from your money disappearing from your wallet!) we retired to an outside Jazz Club, had a few drinks and then went our separate ways, some people have to work apparently!

I had one free day and then set off on the two day trek, I was picked up from the guest house and taken via the Tourist Police (checked my passport before I entered the National Park) onto the National Park where our little group embarked on a five hour trek into the hills and forests of Northern Thailand. It was a good walk and very hilly and hot! We climbed through thick forest mainly bamboo which was growing fifty feet high and as thick as your arm. This had, once upon a time, been home to many monkeys which have sadly now all gone but we did inheret a small dog which latched onto our party and stayed with us throughout the 2 days. It was a lovley little thing, a very healthy little girl who although timid was also quite friendly. She seemed quite happy to run alongside and darted this way and that clearly knowing the area very well. Our guide said that it was common for dogs to follow treks and come and go as they please, perhaps they are just waiting for trekkers to fall by the wayside so they can all converge and have a feast, whoops sorry, it must be the heat getting to my imagination! I can tell you it was hot！

We finally reached our destination and walked down to a small village, deep in the hills and surrounded by dense forested jungle。The village consisted of little more than half a dozen huts and a lodge for our party with a covered area for cooking and two shower / toilet areas. Further down the hill was a large covered shelter housing six very large elephants. No more than 150 meters away was a waterfall which we all indulged ourselves with and washed away the days grime and did some 'small' clothes washing. Having freshened up with clean clothes we set out our sleeping arrangements. The shelter was a single room with a dozen or so mattresses, mosquitoe nets and blankets on a bamboo floor. There were pillows and clean sheets but I knew I was going to need my sleeping bag and was glad I had dragged it along with me. Dinner was going to be early as is always the case with this type of trip, so with our guides acting as cooks and as the village fell into silent darkness, we set about re-hydrating ourselves with tin after tin of Chang beer, oh dear, it did not bode well for the folowing day! As darkness closed in the silence was deafening and apart from the occasional 'trumpet' from the distant elephants we didn't hear anything until some folk from the village struck up a sing song. We settled into a social huddle around the long rectangular table and were variously dressed as the temperature fell and fell. We had a very good meal of vegetable soup and a copious supply of rice and steamed veg. It was actually delicious and more than welcome. The dog received the left overs and ate an enormous amount considering how skinny she was.

Back at the table the conversation followed the beer until, near breaking point, we all eventually collapsed onto our various sleeping mets. I was so glad of my ski hat, again, thermal vest, again and especially my sleeping bag, it was cold, really cold. The following day was a leisurely start and we eventually got to ride the elephants and then start our days trek. I will update you on this next time.

See you soon,

Chris.