Chiang Mai Memories...

Looking back Chiang Mia was such a long time ago! But in reality it has only been about a month since we were there! So many places and things since our time there but the memories are some of the most vivid!
The city was amazing. One of the most beautiful I have ever seen. It was unique since there was an old and new part divided only by a moat! We stayed in the old part with our friends from back home Mike, Bryce and Camille. We randomly had all been in Thailand at the same time and decided to meet up in Bangkok. Everyone had known each other from home through one of Claire’s best friends, Leah. I have never met her but I feel like I know her since everyone talked about how much they loved her! (HI Leah... if you are reading this!)
Chiang Mia wasn't on water or didn't have any beaches. It was in the north part of Thailand. This is where you come to do jungle treks and see elephants.
...and that’s exactly what we did!
The day after we get there we headed into the jungle. A three day trek through the forests of Thailand. Some many think we are crazy but we had a blast. The hiking was a little intense. (the tourist place gave us no warning before we booked it as to how strenuous it actually was!) up hill, down, hill, up hill, down hill. We were probably on level ground for a total of one hour in those three days!
The jungle was so beautiful. I'm not going to lie, I was a little nervous being so deep in the jungle and not having a plan of action incase something happened. But we went with it anyways!
During the hike we would come across waterfalls that we took much needed breaks in. And at night we would hear the gibbon apes calling to each other. An unreal feeling for an anthropologist! All Claire and I could do was smile! There were so many more experiences and memories from those three days that it could fill a book...
I couldn’t recommend jungle trekking more! If anyone is planning on coming to Thailand...a jungle trek is a must!

The rest of the time in Chiang Mai was touring around the city! The boys we were with rented motorbikes so us girls jumped on the back and held the map! We went all around the city and to the north end. We ventured down roads that didn't have signs in search of waterfalls and temples.
We decided to visit the 'Long Neck Tribe'. (they have a tradition of pulling rings around their necks to display age) The culture was amazing but it was definitely a tourist grab. First, we had to pay when we arrived which wasn't a huge deal but when we walked through the gates of the village everyone was trying to sell us something!
They were all working on handmade scarfs and blankets. Mind you, they were all so beautiful! (I bought a scarf AND a blanket!)
Even the children were working on something that they could sell the tourist which came to gawk at them!
They even had the rings that we could put around our necks to see what it’s like!
It was amazing to see them but I felt sorry for them at the same time.
From the moment I walked into the village to the time I left it felt like I was wandering around a human zoo. There was a feeling of abnormality in the air that couldn’t be ignored.

After we left the village we hoped back on our bikes. We toured around for a bit more. Mike, the guy I was with, drove so fast that we were always ahead of everyone. So it wasn't weird when I looked back and didn’t see anyone. However it was only when Mike and I pulled over to wait for them we knew something was weird since they didn't come.
Claire and Bryce were missing. We waited and waited. Mike even went back to the last spot we saw them but still couldn't find them.
I didn’t know if I should worry or not. Mike, Camille and I waited some more and ran through the options. We hadn't seen an ambulance go by and there was not accident on the road. We decided that they must have made a wrong turn and were on the way back to the apartment but on a different road!
We decided that we should head back too. When we got just meters away from our place I heard Claire’s voice call me but I couldn't see her. She was sitting in a car that was parked in front of us. She yelled. "I fell off the bike". My heart sank. I couldn't see her injuries because she was in the car and it was dark.
We finally got here across to the apartment and looked at the battle wounds! They were gnarly! We decided to get them properly cleaned at the hospital since we paid for health insurance already!
Good thing we did because the doctor laced her up six times... I was almost sick watching the six stitches go through her skin! She is a trooper for sure!
Although it kind of messed up or plans on moving to the next city it was also a blessing. Chiang Mai is so beautiful that we could of stayed another two weeks there. I was in no rush to leave!
Eventually we had to move on! Laos was next and we were really excited but cautious of the travel/transportation since our friend had become gimpy!

...there is more to come
MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU ALL!
Jxo

written by  clairejenna on March 22, 2009 from Chiang Mai, Thailand
from the travel blog: Claire and Jenna Do The World
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