End of Bangkok - Chiang Mai

So we've decided that we'd never recommend Bangkok as a travel destination to anyone. EVER. Seriously, as much as we were optimistic and understanding and flexible....we did not enjoy Bangkok. Especially Chinatown (as per LH). It was tough to find anyone that genuinely wanted to help us...everyone wanted money. We got scammed into taking a tuk tuk ALL OVER the city around the Grand Palace....we didn't lose money, only patience and time, but still. We also got scammed into buying sarongs because we didn't have our legs covered, but found out after the fact that we could have borrowed clothing (as you will see by the dress shirts) to wear. The Grand Palace was worth the trip...and check out our hot little outfits that we had to wear inside. Mind you it was 8000 degrees outside and we had 2 layers of clothing on...SWEATING. Anyway...we've seen it, done the tourist stuff...and happy to be out of there. Unfortunately, the only way down to the south is through Bangkok...but we're trying for as little time as possible in the city :) We are now in the beautiful little town of Chiang Mai, which is in northern thailand. We arrived yesterday after our first night bus adventure...not too bad. We walked around and were happy to find that it is not at all like bangkok here!! WAY more laid back, and there is actual vegetation!! Today was probably our favorite day so far. We took a mini tour that involved trekking (hiking) up to see a hill tribe, elephant riding and bamboo rafting. It was so cool!! Despite the fact that it rained most of today, we LOVED the elephant riding and bamboo rafting. The trek was gorgeous, a little muddy and slippery, but very cool. The bamboo rafting managed to get us soaked...we had a crazy driver that took us over a mini waterfall. He also tried to get us all in the river at some point in time. Tomorrow we're taking a one-day massage course, and then we're off to the south, to Ko-Phag-Nan, a little island off of Surat Thani, where the Full Moon Party is. We're TIRED and want to go to sleep :) We'll keep you posted...next message will likely be from some white sand beach....aaahhh!!
Love L and L

Chatuchak Market and SPICY food :)

Hi all,

This will be shorter than yesterday.....today we ventured to the Chatuchak market, which is a weekend market by the end of the skytrain line..it is MASSIVE!! Both Lauren and I spent more money than we'd planned, but probably still pennies in canadian money :) There is a ridiculous amount of stuff at this place and it would probably take you about 11 days to see everything. Food, clothes, furniture, silk, jewelry, childrens toys, army gear, bras, baby shoes...seriously everything. After the market, we had to go to the bus station to book our ticket to Chiang Mai. No taxis would take us for what we wanted to pay so we ended up on a tuk-tuk...the best way to describe it would be a motorized bike with a carriage on the back. It was hilarious. Right on the highway with the rest of the taxis and buses. Also...drivers here are insane. Like more than mexico. BUT we got our tickets and leave tomorrow night to Chiang Mai. 9 hours on a bus...fantastic!! Should be interesting. We'll see about the massage course - hopefully we can find one for a decent price...not promising anything tho!!
No calling dibs for first massages :)
Talk soon!
Thanks for all the messages! :) Love Laur and Laur

Bangkok!!

Hi all!!

So we're gonna try this out and see how it works...unfortunately half the webpage is in thai and last I checked I couldn't read thai....hopefully I can figure out how to post this! SOOO flight here was inSANELY long. We were flying for a total of 23 hours, and were in and out of airports for over 30. I didn't have any trouble with jet lag when I went to France, but sort of feel like I got hit by a bus :) I was falling alseep last night at about 6pm. Today was better, but I think it'll take us a little to get used to the time and the HEAT. It honestly feels like a sauna here. It is so humid and hot. No monsoons yet!! Thai people here wear jeans and long sleeve shirts no prob...I would have to shower 8 times a day. Also, I don't think I've touched as many people in one day as I did yesterday. I think tomorrow might be a new record because we're going to the market, and I have a feeling it might be a little busy! Our hostel here is great...air conditioned at night, which is key. We walked around today, went to a famous architects' house, took a thai cooking class...yes I did. I can now make spring rolls, peanut satay sauce and pad thai. Ask me again in 4 months...we're going to the market tomorrow and then Grand Palace on sunday. We're looking at heading out to Chiang Mai Sunday night on a night bus, where we'll go take our thai massage class, and then perhaps an elephant ride. Imagine!! Hope all is well at home!!

Love and hugs,
L T (and LH)