Thailand – the north

From: Robert (backpackers@vee-tv.com)

To: VEE-TV

Subject: Thailand is cool!

Hi again

We’ve just returned from a three-day trek through the jungle and mountains of northern Thailand. It was amazing! The first day was mainly trekking upstream to the top of a mountain. During our long walk we stopped halfway to cool off in a waterfall – it was better than a shower! Cool, eh? Eventually we finally arrived at a hill tribe where we were to spend the night. Most of the night I was being chased by an old lady who was all dressed up in tribal clothing (something for the tourists!), begging me to buy some souvenirs.

After a long hot day I decided to head off to bed before another early start walking through the jungle, but what I did not anticipate was that the temperature would drop so rapidly that I could no longer feel anything in my feet and that my face would turn blue. It was FREEZING! To top it off I was woken up at 2am by the roosters crowing! It wasn’t anywhere near sunrise – there is something wrong with these chickens!

Anyway, the second day started off with another long trek to an elephant farm, and from then on we went elephant trekking! At first I was really looking forward to this but then I saw them being whipped and shouted at. I felt a bit guilty, like this was some kind of slavery thing. I asked the guide if I could try steering or riding the elephant and he let me. This was good as I wasn’t whipping or yelling at the elephant. So a fairly happy ending there!

Again the same story with the tribal village – it is sad to see how tourism has affected their natural way of life. But by nightfall I was ready for the cold as I had layers and layers of clothing on when I went to bed! But I couldn’t do anything about those bloody chickens!!! Aargh!

The best part of today was going bamboo rafting. It was really good fun cruising downstream, jumping into the river and pushing each other into the water. The whole trip was an experience I will never forget and I got loads of snapshots to remember it by.

Well, I had better go as I am running out of time and I want to read some new info and catch up on EastEnders!!! Just kiddin!

Take care wherever you are

Rob

From: Julian (backpackers@vee-tv.com)

To: VEE-TV

Subject: Chiang Mai

I loved Chiang Mai. We were breathing mountain air, not the polluted air of Bangkok! We went to join other people for trekking, except for Fiona as she was ill and homesick. Well, the trekking trip was worthwhile and good experience! We had to wash ourselves in the river and walked about 15 miles in three days. Don’t say ‘Is that all!’ – it was mountain trekking! Going up the mountain was hard work but coming downhill was murderous! We had to rely on candles in the evenings and sleep on the floor in bamboo huts. It was freezing at nights because we were on top of the mountain, which is 5,500 metres high.

The hardest part in trekking was eating. Well, we ate chicken and pork but it was very hard for us cos of the chicken and pigs watching us while we were eating! Be prepared that we might become vegetarian when we get back to England!

By the end of the trekking trip, my feet were sore and blistered. We had tried elephant riding, rafting, and walking in three days of trekking. It cost us £23 including accommodation and food!

Miss u all and take care!

Julian

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