Thai Christmas

Out of the hills I come. For the last few days, I've been in the Thailand hills, 15km West of Chiang Mai. I have never experienced such a relaxing Christmas in my life and I am tempted to return again next year. Jacquie and I enjoyed the long walks along the rolling hill roads, an elephant ride, thai massage, and the most fantastic meals...not to mention spicy. We even took some bikes out in around the village and I loved the slow pace of these people. Now back in Chiang Mai, one can only sense the slow pace town being transformed into a little Bangkok, like an Athabasca to Fort McMurray - it would be a shame.
I'll be renting a motobike so that we can head out to the famous Wat Umong - a cave temple just west of the city.

Knowing that the hustle and hassle of Christmas is slowing down and gearing up for New Years, the same here. Christmas isn't typically celebrated but the New Year celebration tends to last until late next morning.

I will be off to Laos in the next couple of days. I will be crossing the border at Chiang Khong and then on a two day slow boat ride into Luang Prabang, Laos. Look ahead to stories from the border and on the river...and hope for good weather. The climate is the coldest in years and I even had a head cold after leaving the chilly Phnom Penh.