Friday: the longest Friday of my life!

Struggled to wake up this morning, again dragging with the idea of leaving.

I headed to breaky at riverside one last time.

Plate of fruit. Love these things, they're called Longon.

Loaded up for one last red truck ride. (Tear)

Love Chiang Mai! It's a small town feeling city with so much life and character.

The most around town.

Hopped on my plane, or shall I say nap time headed to Bangkok. Thankfully I didn't have to leave the airport there!

One last simple Thai meal and of course capped with a Thai iced tea. Never did I think I would fall so in love with Thai food. I've always said Mexican was my one choice if I could only eat one thing forever. Nope. Mind changed! 

I had no concept of time even in the Bangkok airport and spent my last hours meandering the airport aimlessly without a care in the world.

I met the most adorable Taiwanese girls on the flight! 14 & 15 years old. I settled in to read my book when I was politely interrupted with a light tap & "Excuse me, would you like to chat with us?" By the girl in the middle. I am kicking myself for not writing down their names. We talked for over 3 hours. Apparently they had to rock, paper, scissor for who would ask me to talk. For the cutie on the left, I was the second English speaker she had ever spoken to and in the middle, I was her first! They were elated to speak English with me and they did it so incredibly well! 

We chatted about cultures and out trips. They kept saying how beautiful I was along with all Americans and that Taiwan did not have cute boys. Tom cruise has their hearts.

A few tidbits of our special conversation (they could not stop saying how special it was to talk to me)

"Neehow" is hello in Chinese. Yet do NOT call then Chinese, huge offense taken. They are very proud of their culture and that they are not "rude" like the people of China. 

The darling middle girl was speaking ifTitanic  and I didn't understand what she was saying, so she spread her arms and said "Jack and Rose". Oh the universal language of movies!

I was informed I was their new sister and I could visit whenever I pleased and that would show me Taiwan and their food. Their pride for their country brimmed from their hearts. 

I heard "Americans so beautiful" probably 100 times. My heart sank when they talked down upon themselves for their "yellow" skin. I made a strong effort to remind them they are gorgeous and not to compare themselves or long for white skin. 

"You're so tall" ummmm...YES! Never will I hear that in my life again! 

They dream of visiting America and potentially going to school there. I again reinforced them and told them they one day would and to of course call on their American sister!

They're schooling is beyond rigorousl, therefore they dream of life in America where we barley lift a finger. The middle darling wakes at 5am daily to catch a train to school which is over an hour ride. They attend school from 7am until 4pm, then head to another school to study what they learn. They do not return home until 9 or 10 at night, only to study the days work before bed. Part of their schooling is to clean their school for 15-30 minutes a day. Apparently no janitors on staff. 

You frequently see (too much) western influence upon such an amazing culture, the playboy bunny being spotted more often than I'd like. The middle cutie had the bunny on the side of her shoes. I asked if she knew what it was and she said "rabbit, playboy". I crushed her and informed her it was really after a magazine of naked women. She was horrified and said she was throwing them away as soon as she returned home. Hopefully I didn't scar her for life, but educated her to pass it on. 

The 4 hour flight flew by while chatting with these two and eventually getting the Canadian, Kiwi and English folk in the aisle across from us involved. A lot of laughs shared yet again! 

  I asked then what the seeded white fruit was called and was told,   "If you eat many, your poo poo red" from the girls. Thankfully this was one if the last meals I would be consuming of plastic organized food in my lap. 

       

I am beyond crazy about these rice cake type cookies. So simple, yet SO good! And gluten free of course!

We had a lot if turbulence on both flights, the first heading through thunder, lightening and rain as well. Probably the list scared I was my entire trip. Thank goodness for the power of conversation to distract me! 

I spent my 2 hour layover wandering the Thapei airport with the kiwi guy (Chris) in search of a beverage, but it was too late for service. Again, wishing these conversations never ended. He was a sustainable farmer and yet worked in the pork and poultry industry. So interesting! 

He told me I looked like a "pregnant Philipino" with my canvas bag draped across the front of me and my gargantuan bag in my back. I received much ribbing from him and the Canadian girl for the size of my bag. Good news is I didn't have to check a thing coming home! (My bag is now 16.4kg) 

Heading into San Francisco.

Waiting on the curb for mom. Tears were shed when the immigration officer asked how my trip was. Then seeing mommy they came flooding. Poor thing thought it was because I missed her. (Of course) I miss Thailand and the experiences more than anything. Take me back. 

There was some intense traffic on the return trip to auburn. I shared stories through tears and mima said, "In 3 weeks you've come a long way." My heart melted. My life has forever been changed by this trip. 

Perhaps I should? For 5 days since returning I have contemplated just how I can attend school online while living in Pai.

The welcome home from my bestie. Just what a girl needs!

I didn't miss cheese until I could actually eat it. Wine on the other hand I missed greatly!

And this guy of course! He has been by my side, even in my most private moments. He has eased my sadness of coming home. Like I said three weeks ago, my reason to return!

I apologize for the delay in informing you all of my last day and safe return. As you can see, I am suffering a little bit of sadness to be home. Thailand captured me in so many ways and will always carry a piece of my heart. It's time to work my buns off to fund my next, much longer trip! Next summer I'm off again! 

I have been attempting to catch up on sleep (waking @2:30am for the day is not ideal) and get acclimated back into life in America. The job and apartment search has commenced after a few days rest, although it all sounds like too much responsibility! Please send me any good energy you've got for finding a great place and a new gig soon! I can use it! 

Thank you all for dedicatedly reading  about my adventures and the wonderful response you have given me about my writings. It keot me on top of remembering the details for myself as well. Perhaps I shall travel and write for a living? 

I returned to my 3 associates degrees and the sweetest welcome from my postmaster, Mark, who shared in my travels as well.  

Loves! 

Thursday: Final Pai adventures before Chiang Mai

Slept in til 9:30 this morning after a pretty late night (bed at 2:30). Savored the sounds of the jungle one last morning and lazed in bed a bit, skipping coffee and tea at the bar. Slowly I got ready and packed my bags yet again. My heart and mind know I'm nearing the end, my emotions are everywhere. It's as though my body knows and is fighting any activity that has to do with leaving, moving very slow.

 Much better day view of the bar

I hopped on the scooter for one last ride, headed to breaky at Treehouse Resort. 

View from the treehouse at the cafe. My lil scooter is on the right! Still hope to have one of my own someday! 

I'm gonna miss this

After breaky my friend suggested going to feed the elephants at a nearby trekking camp. I support this in NO way, but immediately felt the need to go love on them as they need it.

This picture speaks volumes. I immediately started bawling when feeding this beauty her bananas. You can feel her sorrow and see the depression in her eyes. She is missing the sparkle of the eles at ENP, never opening them wide. 

She is chained to a nearby pole, not able to move more than 2'-3' at a time on a cement platform. She has never known freedom. And the HOOK-you can see it stabbed in the pole behind her. She has a multitude of scars and tears in her ears from it. She gives rides all day, mostly on pavement. Her spirit is broken. This is not the life she deserves. 

I witnessed a family atop an elephant from across the road with joy on their faces. The gorgeous girl they were riding had countless scars, a large 4"-5" gaping hole in her trunk and he tail had been cut short. Many of the eles are missing the hair from their tails and eyelashes as it is considered sacred. Their hair does not grow back! I'm assuming this one's tail was lopped perhaps for the hair. 

My shoulders shook from the crying. Many people there before and after rides saw my reaction, if only they knew. No one knows the devastation these babes suffer for human enjoyment. I was able to educate a friend who was also unaware of their treatment. Grateful for one more knowing. Pass it on.

Please, don't ever participate in elephant rides or entertainment wherever they may be. I felt guilt for a bit of even participating in feeding and supporting this activity, but changed that into love and compassion spoken to the three beautiful girls at this camp. 

This girl witnessed the most of sob fest as we stood in the back corner together. She chomped away with her sullen eyes while I spoke words of love to her through my endless tears.

We hopped back on our scooters and I continued to shed a few tears through the jungle. An art gallery caught our attention so we parked and admired the amazing work. 

View along the ride

We headed to the temple I had been in search of the other night for sunset on my jungle walk. Lost I translation, I had been passing it multiple times a day without knowing. Whoops!

Steps leading up. 

Looking back

Details

View of Pai opposite from the vuewpoint two days ago

I will miss these temple moments.

Viewing platform 

Back down...

Across from the temple road is Earthtone, the gluten free vegetarian cafe. We stopped in for an afternoon treat. She had gluten free chocolate cookies today! Happy fat kid right here! I enjoyed it with a chai banana shake.

We headed back to get my bag where I was distracted by dipping my feet in the pool for a bit while chatting with Stephanie & Liam.  

I gave myself a timeframe to leave by 4, putting me in Chiang Mai by 7. It was now nearing 3 and I had yet to make my way to town to by a bus ticket. My body is fighting leaving as I know this time will be for a while.

Finally I decided I should get going and loaded up on my scooter with my backpack.

See you later, Pai!

I made it to the bus station by 3:15 and was told the only seat left was at 3:30. Eek! Thankfully the bus was running a bit behind, giving me a little more time for snacks and last minute visiting. 

Just some salmon flavored potato chips. 

The only seat available happened to be a window seat, thank goodness! I did my best to sleep but found it difficult this afternoon. Perhaps the Thai man on my right sleeping nearly on my shoulder had something to do with it. Add in the bus driver must have been trying to make up for his previous delay, causing everyone to be thrown with every curve.

Police check point. They only check the locals ID. I was the only tourist on the bus apparently. 

Cows in the road!

At least they're walking with traffic.

I took my last tuk tuk to Riverside House and dropped my things in my room. Sleeping sounds delightful right about now, but I have shopping to do!

I headed to the beloved night market to buy some things for my new home and loved ones. 

And of course indulge in one last plate of pad thai to finish off my shopping. 

For less than $1.30! 

For dessert I had my last coconut shake. Hack it open, pour out the juice, then scoop out the meat with an ice cream scoop and blend with ice. 

Attempting to look awake.

Walk back over the Ping River. Many local kids hang out on the bridge at night, sitting and blocking the sidewalk. It's quite fun to watch.

Time to crash! Exhaustion & emotions have me ready to sleep! 

Wednesday: Scooter adventures on my last day in Pairadise

I awoke after only 6 hours sleep feeling ready to explore a bit. I headed the the bar as usual and had coffee followed by some butterfly pea tea which looks like blue kool aid. After tea I did a little meditation, yoga and reading in my room before getting ready to explore my beloved Pai.

Sun is attempting to shine through the clouds post storm.

Oxymoron

I hopped on my bicycle And headed to breaky, detouring and stopping along the way a bit. 

Pai river

I stopped at this riverside restaurant then decided they didn't offer what I wanted in their 4, maybe 5 choices for breaky. 

I stopped in town and had this plate of fresh fruit and yogurt with a coconut shake instead. This breaky never gets old!

After breaky I headed to return my bike so I could get a scooter! I have been wanting to do this while here and figured since its my last day I better get busy! Pai has far lass traffic than other places I've been, so I feel much safer riding here. Now that I've ridden all day, I will say there are countless people waking or limping around with bandages from scooter accidents. I stuck to paved roads and close to town just to be safe! 

When I headed to get the scooter the sun was shining, then while in the rental office the rain began to really come down. Oh joy! So I hopped on and headed straight to Aqua to wait it out. Thankfully it didn't last long and I was able to hop on shortly after to explore! 

Waited out the rain in this sala (like a gazebo). Not sure if the carving is viewable here, but the table and all poles are hand carved by Den.

Headed out! 

I headed to find a waterfall Den told me about but apparently there was none, but gorgeous countryside instead! Such an amazing first solo ride!

 

Pai River. I stopped along the way on a little dock to have a special moment. For those of you who don't know, my dad passed almost 9 years ago. I never felt drawn to scatter his ashes in one place, so I take him with me on my travels. Part of him is in Oak Creek in Sedona, AZ, some off the beach of Sayulita Mexico, now in Pai, Thailand and a few other spots. He'll be we'll travelled if I live long! 

From the dock

The dock. Mom, there were tons of butterflies flying around as I was leaving! 

Ahhhhhhh....

I headed back into town to get gas as the scooter was given to me nearly empty. I had to have a 2 Thai ladies help me figure out how to fill it, even they had trouble! There are stand alone pumps all over just on the side of the road, but I stopped for a liquor bottle of gas so I could get help! 

I set in the direction of Aqua, but kept going to the Treehouse Resort, known for it 3 room treehouse. They also have bungalows for rent.

View at treehouse

Stairs leading to the 3 rooms for rent 

Very Swiss Family Robinson

This was my first favorite road here. Just a couple miles down from Aqua.

Hunger set in and I stopped here for lunch. Such fun! That little lady was making and serving lunch. I had the whole place to myself.

That's the name of the restaurant.

Where I dined on sautéed veggies and brown rice.

Hammock view with my green tea and milk

Bliss

Charming 

I headed to the market for water and decided a magnum bar was needed. So much for riding a bike to be active and eating a Healthy lunch! I'm pigging out for my remaining time! I are my Popsicle poolside and fell asleep, lil bit of redness now!

I awoke and went to a friend's hotel. They have a bamboo deck with pillows and hammocks next to the pool, this is the view opposite the pool. Pairadise!

Thid lil guy was hunting butterflies from the bamboo deck.

The bar at Aqua, those walls are covered in carvings. It's incredible!

The rain came down pretty good after to two pool visits and I had to ride back to change. Seems silly to change from wet cloths into dry cloths when riding a scooter in the rain! 

For dinner I had "noodle soup" which was delicious; broth with glass noodles and you can pick as many things as you want to put in it. I chose tofu, egg, Chinese cabbage and mixed veggies. So good in the pouring rain! And of course it stopped while I was chowing down. But it warmed me up and satisfied my ever present hunger of today! 

After dinner I strolled through town a bit with a friend then hit up Hi 5 bar for a nightcap. Had to have one last night out in Pai! 

Sigh...last night in Pai, so bittersweet. I'm feeling ready to go back to the U S of A, but also sad to leave this amazingness. One more night's sleep in this cozy bed with the windows open and frogs singing. If only the rain was coming down now!