If a train is traveling south at approximately the speed I can run, and stops every few minutes, then how long will it take to arrive at a destination 751 km away? 15 and a half hours is the correct answer!
I am laying now in my sleeper bed on an overnight 15 hour long train from chiang mai to Bangkok, hoping I don’t roll off my top bunk on one of the turns, and batting the bugs away from me. The train was quite surprising at first, mostly because it looks like it should be in a junk yard somewhere, rusting away, or in a train museum. But after the initial shock it has proved to be a pretty sweet ride. I am soaking up the fresh air and beautiful mountain landscapes to a soundtrack of the noises of the wheels bumping across the track, the general creaking train, and the squeaky electric fan on the ceiling. (If I were a songwriter I would have some awesome beats to go by! Leah and I could jam to it even!) Being on this train is like being in one of those infant bouncy seats, just what I have always dreamed of as an adult! Its nice though cause leah, who is very prone to motion sickness, is doing well on it. The curves on the road from chiang mai to pai though were a different story for her. I think its 700 some curves on that ride, which I enjoyed like I was on a 2 hour long rollercoaster, but unfortunately the rest of the car did not!!
We ended up staying in Pai for 6 nights. It felt like 2! It was such a good and relaxing time. I cant really tell you what I did in Pai though, it all runs together. I know that there were 3 days of motorbike riding, exploring, waterfalls, swimming, hiking, a bunch of mornings, running into the afternoons spent in a cute little cafe or restaurant eating, chatting, or reading, and a bunch of nights partying with friends. I was sad to leave there, and my peaceful demeanor stayed behind in Pai, I hate to say… though I think it is more my reluctancy to move on to Bangkok, than anything else. My ultimate task will be to stay zen in the big city! Yea right! Cars, traffic, smog, malls... not what we are looking for!
Yesterday we got in a really great mountain bike ride in chiang mai. It rained the whole time though, making the challenging course very slippery. Lets just say that I have a few battle scars that I am proud of, and I loved every minute of it. So good to be back on a bike! My lower back was actually killing me the last day or 2 in Pai, and I thought it was going to make riding harder, but after the ride my back was cured… I guess it was missing being hunched over on a bike.
A friend here recently told me this quote, “there are friends for a reason, friends for a season, and friends for life.” I needed that reminder very much. I am trying to get used to the travelers mentality of people coming in and out of my life so quickly. Yes, it happens in normal life too, but I think it is to a much greater degree while traveling. And, even though I have basically moved every few years of my entire life, I have a hard time knowing someone and letting them go. Plus, I am possibly more sensitive to it now because of when I left the Philippines and basically cut off communication with my entire life over there. But back on point, I am learning to appreciate these friends for a reason and friends for a season, for what I am meant to give to them and receive from them. Shout out to the Pai treetop bar gang- miss you all! Thanks for an unforgettable time and your hospitality!!
Now to decide where next… we are leaning towards Cambodia… and will make a quick decision by this evening! Life is good. :)
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