After a very exhausting 13 hour train ride, we arrived in Chiang Mai last night. The train was surprisingly roomy and accommodating. We were served multiple small dishes of flavored rice usually served with a mystery meat that I didn't want to touch. I mean, meat is not supposed to mimic the color of a day old bruise.
There was commotion about halfway through the trip when a few girls in front of me spotted a cockroach, they squealed and jumped about pointing at it as it scuttled on the ground when one of the train staff walked by, stepped on it and kept walking, shaking her head and laughing to herself. From then on, every fifteen minutes it seemed there was another cockroach to squeal about.
After arriving finally at our hostel we quickly got settled and passed out.
This morning I was up early for a bit of Skyping and breakfast, we spent most of the morning in the pool after eating.
I attempted to see if the bank closest to me would be able to do a money transfer but was disappointed to find out that they are closed all weekend. After doing some research I found out that do to a lot of Laotians working outside of the country and sending money home, Western Unions are as prevalent as Starbucks in Seattle.
After the bank we did a bit of exploring, seeing what Chiang Mai has to offer. For being a rather large city, it has a smaller feel to it. Lots of smiles from the locals and many many other tourists to bump into. We headed to a small market where I was able to find a bag for what is equivalent to about $2.50 US. I was snapping pictures all day but unfortunately, right as we began to walk down a street with some of the most beautiful temples, my camera's battery died. I did manage to get some nice pictures before that though.
We had plans to visit an elephant sanctuary but unfortunately they were booked up for the rest of the year but we are hoping to make arrangements to visit a different sanctuary in Cambodia on our way down to the beach.
Despite my best efforts, the food, the travel or maybe just karma caught up to me and I spent the night in front of the toilet. Barfing is never fun but it seems to take an extra sour flavor (gross?) when you are travelling. Alas, it was bound to happen eventually.
On the 24th we head towards Luang Prabang by boat on the Mekong River. I will be out of touch for Christmas unfortunately but by the time we are settled in Vientiane, I believe I will have wifi again and will be available to Skype.
With much barf,
Julianne
There was commotion about halfway through the trip when a few girls in front of me spotted a cockroach, they squealed and jumped about pointing at it as it scuttled on the ground when one of the train staff walked by, stepped on it and kept walking, shaking her head and laughing to herself. From then on, every fifteen minutes it seemed there was another cockroach to squeal about.
After arriving finally at our hostel we quickly got settled and passed out.
This morning I was up early for a bit of Skyping and breakfast, we spent most of the morning in the pool after eating.
I attempted to see if the bank closest to me would be able to do a money transfer but was disappointed to find out that they are closed all weekend. After doing some research I found out that do to a lot of Laotians working outside of the country and sending money home, Western Unions are as prevalent as Starbucks in Seattle.
After the bank we did a bit of exploring, seeing what Chiang Mai has to offer. For being a rather large city, it has a smaller feel to it. Lots of smiles from the locals and many many other tourists to bump into. We headed to a small market where I was able to find a bag for what is equivalent to about $2.50 US. I was snapping pictures all day but unfortunately, right as we began to walk down a street with some of the most beautiful temples, my camera's battery died. I did manage to get some nice pictures before that though.
We had plans to visit an elephant sanctuary but unfortunately they were booked up for the rest of the year but we are hoping to make arrangements to visit a different sanctuary in Cambodia on our way down to the beach.
Despite my best efforts, the food, the travel or maybe just karma caught up to me and I spent the night in front of the toilet. Barfing is never fun but it seems to take an extra sour flavor (gross?) when you are travelling. Alas, it was bound to happen eventually.
On the 24th we head towards Luang Prabang by boat on the Mekong River. I will be out of touch for Christmas unfortunately but by the time we are settled in Vientiane, I believe I will have wifi again and will be available to Skype.
With much barf,
Julianne
The flowers remind me of the pool in Kauai. I am still so happy we were able to do that as a family. Have lots of fun sweets. Hope this is the last sick you get.
ReplyDeleteBarfing is not a good thing. I know from personal experience. Hope you are not sick any more. I envy you Julianne. You are such a traveler, fly by the seat of your pants kinda girl, and I absolutely love it. Now is the time to do it. What adventures you will have to remember.
ReplyDeleteWe love you and will miss you so much for Christmas.