Chiang Mai- Today is what travelling is all about

Today was one of those unbelievable experiences that make travelling special. Except for hanging on to a tree for dear life while bamboo rafting. I will explain more later.

Last night, I left Bangkok for Chiang Mai. About an hour flight to Northern Thailand. After arriving pretty late, I just went to get some rest as I had a big day planned for today. A part of the trip I have been really excited about. And it was everything I expected, and more. I feel like I am high from the experience. So culturally enriching.

It started as I was "fortunate" enough to have breakfast with Christopher from Marquette, Michigan, the Upper Peninsula. A middle-aged pony tail wearing man. He basically shit all over my little 2 1/2 week vacation. Saying that he was here for two months to study massage. I swear he answered every question with "Dude. It's all about massage." I thought, "Dude. It's all about me drinking my coffee really quick to get away from you." Enough about that, but it was very funny.

I went back to the hotel and waited for the tour bus to arrive. It finally did, as I was the last person of 11 to be picked up. People from all over the world, China, Sweden, The Marshall Islands (go look that one up, I had never heard of them before), and Israel by way of Argentina. I sat next to a very nice couple from China, Ban and Jade. After a few minutes talking, I learned that Jade works for IBM in Beijing. She was in a sales role similar to me before moving over to HR.

Our tour guide was May, a very funny, friendly and knowledgable guide. She was phenomenal. Enhanced the experience so much.

First stop on the tour was an elephant ride. Quite an interesting experience, highlighted by the baby elephant getting stuck in a puddle of mud. Not sure how it comes across, but it was hillarious. I couldn't believe what I was watching. You will have to see the pictures. We rode up into the mountains with great scenic views, feeding the elephants bananas along the way. Although, the baby kept tugging at my shoe the whole time.

After the elephant ride, we than took a long hike through mountainous terrain and some rice fields to see the highlight for me. Visits to two hilltribe villages.

The second hilltribe village was absolutely fascinating. It was the Karen tribe. The Karen tribe has slowly migrated from Tibet, than to Burma and now primarily reside in Northern Thailand. There are estimated to be around 350,000 members. They speak there own language and have there only little village. It was a sight to see the conditions that these people live in. The women were outside hand weaving very elaborate clothing, scarves, etc. There tribal way of life fulfills them and they don't aspire for more. I am struggling to write about this experience as it is vey difficult to show without pictures. Let's just say it was one of the most unique, memorable experiences of my life. Sensational.

After that, we had some lunch and than went bamboo rafting on the river. Here is where my harrowing experience took place. I was on the back of the raft with two other people and one guide. I was volunteered to paddle from the back, so I was standing. We were rolling along when the back of the raft veered right towards a tree. It wasn't turning so I was headed directly for the tree. Nothing was going to change this. After slamming into the tree, I dropped my paddle (a bamboo stick) and held on to the tree and yelled to a non-english speaking guide. While I was hanging on the tree, he backed up the raft so I could get back on. I told him, "You almost fucking killed me." He looked at me and smiled, obviously having no idea what I said to him. So, I laughed and we went about our way for the rest of our peaceful rafting trip.

What a day. Absolutely amazing. The reason I travel. Experiences like this just don't happen every day.

Tonight, it is dinner, massage, and sleep as I am exhausted from this full day. Not to mention the 90 plus degree heat. Tomorrow, I am taking a Thai cooking class. I have literally tried to make Thai food at home many times and it never tastes that good. Let's see if this will help.

Bye for now. Hope all is well for everybody back home.