Day 7 - Holiday in Mae Hong Son, North Thailand

To Read Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3,Day 4, Day 5, Day 6

27 December 2007, Thursday

Today is our 3rd day into the guided tour. We are ready to move on to Mae Hong Son.

Fish Cave

This place is a popular tourist destination but unfortunately, it was too mundane for me. There were a few large fishes and clips of the Queen of Thailand visiting the place. Other than that, I am not too impressed. So, if you have to choose your itinerary to Mae Hong Son, just skip this.

To view my online album.

After lunch, we went to the Mae Hong Son market, Keng, our tour guide had to purchase some stuffs to cook for our dinner and breakfast. We are going to stay in the Long Neck village tonight! Isn't that exciting? I have heard so much about this tribe.

We took a 15 mins boat ride to the Long Neck Hilltribe

Long Neck Hill Tribe (Kayan)

Eventhough the Long Neck Hill Tribe lives in wooden shacks, yet, I noticed that they are cleaner and more organised than the other tribes. Apparently, the villagers has been "trained" for tourism. They are not shy, readily and willingly take photo with visitors, when asked.

Similar to the Lahu and Lisu tribe, they are not allowed to leave the village. The only way they are able to make a living is by making their own crafts e.g. scarf, guitar and selling various things which they obtain from Myanmar. The Myanmar border is not too far away from where they stay, so, I guess it will not be too difficult for them to smuggle in some products. I was interested to go but according to Keng, our tour guide, its dangerous. So we aborted the idea. Its about 30 mins boat ride from the Long Neck Hill tribe village.

The entrance to the village

They are very good at handicraft

Church built by missionaries


To pass time, the village girls play Volleyball


Our accommodation for the night


Mattress, mosquietoe netting, blanket.... better than expected


Keng, our tour guide and cook

There is a community area which is specially prepared for visitors. So, we had our dinner there. When we finish dinner, we were promised some presentations. Oh, this will be interesting! But first, dinner.

In 1.5 hours, he whipped out 6 dishes! Fried chicken, sweet & sour chicken, fried egg, tom yum, vegetable and soup

The village children gathering around the campfire

My children were so fascinated with the campfire that they played there for hours.... literally. Collecting dried wood and leaves to burn. Things that city people don't get to do.

Presentation by the Villagers

I was pulled in by the dancers to dance with them... Not bad. A natural. Ha ha


The Villagers played, sang and danced till late. Even after we retired to bed. I guess there are little for entertainment here.

To view my online album.

Paranoid? Maybe. Maybe Not.

Malaysians were fed with stories of Thailand about drug trafficking, prostitution, Malaysian children abducted, limps chopped and forced to be beggars and prostitutes and many other scary tales which we read via internet or hear through our relatives.

It was really bad publicity. Till today, the stigma remained of Thailand. I do not know if the stories are true or not. Or was it some kind of scam to stop Malaysian men from coming to Thailand, for good reasons.

Since I arrived in Thailand, my personal experiences contradict what I have heard about this country. Yes, there are snatch thieves. Murder. Rape. All the things which happens in Malaysia. The awkward thing is that, its not as rampant as the crime rate in Malaysia.

In fact, when I was back in Malaysia during the Chinese New Year holidays, I was SO paranoid and conscious of my handbag and personal safety that it was really no joke.

I was at a friend's open house celebration in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. After we finished, a security guard on motorcycle warned that there were snatch thieves who preyed on two victims, few rows away from where we were. He told us to be careful of our belongings. *Sigh* What is happening to my beloved country?

Many of the friends who visited us last year raised the same question about Thailand. I don't blame them. I used to be one of them. In actual fact, you don't have to be more careful in Thailand than any other country you visit. As a matter of fact, I feel quite safe traveling in Thailand comparatively in Malaysia.

Public Transportation in Thailand

In April 2008, it will be almost 2 years since we arrived in Thailand.

In the last 1 year 9 months, I have returned to Malaysia, 3 times. Each time it feels different. Our condominium in Malaysia is currently being rented out and our cars sold. As a result, we have to stay at various places, similar to a Nomad, whenever we return to Malaysia.

My Mom will generously lend us her car up to a week at times. And the last trip, my brother & sister-in-law was kind enough to lend us their car too.

Its difficult to move around without a car, especially when we have children. By myself, I have no problem but when the children is concerned, it can be a little tricky. When they are tired, napping on the train or bus is cumbersome. Malaysia's public transportation can be improved too.

In Thailand, taxi services are very convenient and cheap, e.g.

• Meter starts from THB35 (RM3.50 / USD1.00)
• 99% of taxi driver uses meter. You will have the occasional ones who refuse. Just hop to the next taxi. There are heaps available.
  
• A 45 mins ride will cost you an average of THB240 (RM24 / USD7)
• If you want to use the highway, its separate. Just give the taxi driver whatever the toll charges.

Whilst in Malaysia, I took the taxi to and from the train station at Subang Jaya to Sunway Lagoon. I was quoted the price THB150 (RM15 / USD4.30), when in actual fact its about THB70 (RM7 / USD2.00). Unfortunately, I did not come across one which used meter.

When I initially arrived in Thailand, I thought that comparatively Malaysia is better at tourism. Since most of us speak English, cheaper hotels, beautiful beaches and islands. But after staying here for the last 2 years, I have discovered that the Thais are very well organized, friendly and equipped for mass tourism. No wonder we can see so many Caucasian tourist. Other than certain “activities” which is not so obviously and readily available in Malaysia, they have outdone us in shopping, luxury hotel, food, warm and friendly welcome and many other areas.

Online Album for Malaysia Trip

I have just uploaded some photos on my Malaysian Trip.

• My family get-together
• My get-together with friends
  
• My hubby's family get-together
• Sunway Lagoon trip

Enjoy!

Helping Grandma Cleaning Up

Since Mom did such a good job of feeding all of us, we decided to clean up her kitchen before we left to Bangkok.

The children had fun sliding on the floor and spraying each other water whilst washing. Most importantly, Grandmother was happy that she has a clean kitchen.

The Malaysian Food We Enjoyed

These are all the Malaysian food we enjoyed throughout our trip in Malaysia.

Malay dish. Asam pedas, young Jack fruit, kang kung & vege

Cantonese "Yin Yong". A Chinese dish. Kueh teow with Mee Hoon.

Chinese dish. Har kow, steamed chicken, bean sprout & kueh teow soup

"Paper Dosei", an Indian dish. Its called "paper" because its made very thin.

Cendol, an Indian dessert. Consist of coconut milk, sugar, crushed ice, red beans and other stuffs made from flour

Wan Tan Mee. A Chinese dish. Noodles with black sauce and 'char siew' (BBQ Pork)

Bah Kut Teh. A Chinese dish. Pork stewed with herbs. Eat together with rice and fresh chili. A very famous dish in the town of Klang.

Satay. A Malay dish. BBQ chicken and beef on sticks, dipped with peanut sauce

Mee Goreng. An Indian style fried noodle.

Char Kueh Teow. A Chinese dish. Noodle fried with bean sprout, corckles, egg and prawn

Mee Curry. Noodles with curry, taupok, chicken, corckles, bean sprout and fish cake

Last Meal in Malaysia

Its almost a tradition for my Mom to cook a home-cooked meal for us, her children. Since we arrived in Malaysia, we have had only 1 home-cooked meal in her home and have been eating out most of the time. So, being our last day in Malaysia, she cooked the following:

Steamed herbal chicken

Asam pedas, Joel's favorite dish

Dried duck steam with bulb, I think

Boiled Soup - Water crest, pork and dried octopus

Back to Routine....

After all the hype of coming home. We are home.

I took a 3 hrs nap yesterday and a 2 hrs nap today. I was tired. Still am tired. I felt my energy just sapped from me since I returned from the Malaysian trip.

Both my children are NOT tired. That's the frustrating part. Having to keep up with them.

We did our studies today. They had heaps of energy and couldn't sit still. Especially Ethaniel. That's the problem when we take long holidays. Getting back to routine is a hassle.

Home Safely

Standing at the front door of our home in Bangkok at 11pm, local time......

Joel: Oh! I am soooo glad to be back!!!

Me: Why?

Joel: Because I have my smelly pillow, bolster, blanket... my bed... Ooooo... My air-cond. Oh yeah..

Ethaniel: Yes, me too!

Joel: Home sweet home...


I echo their sentiments. I am very glad to be back home.

There are heaps of laundry. So, back to routine tomorrow. The children will most probably have a break from school work and help me with the laundry and cleaning.

Oh well, that's the downside of being back home....

Mixed Feelings...

Mom was teary when she hugged the children and me when we boarded our taxi at 5.30pm. It was time to go to the airport. She is always teary whenever we leave Malaysia or when she leaves Bangkok.

After check-in at the airport, my hubby called from Bangkok. Just to ensure that we are REALLY coming home.

One side sad we are leaving and another glad!

Isn't this always the case? There is always two sides to a story.

Thank You and See You Again!

Dear Families and Friends,

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to catch up with us. We have enjoyed your company, friendship and love.

Special thanks to:

• Kerwin & Corrine (bro & sis-in-law) for accommodating us in their home, picking us from the airport, generously lending us their car and giving our children their belated Christmas presents.
  
• Mike, my elder brother for accommodating us in his home and generously buying us many delicious meals.
• My parents for accommodating us and generously lending us their car.
  
• Eric, my younger brother for giving my children a big 'ang pow' and taking time to spend Chinese New Year with us in Malaysia.
  
• Parents-in-law for cooking the reunion dinner & taking the grandchildren to KLCC & Science Center
  
• Ps Mark & Rose for their company at dinner and teaching us the game "King's Court". We had a lot of fun.
  
• Andrew, Linda & children for their company at dinner
• Angeline L for opening her home & our ex-cell group members for taking the time to meet up
  
• My good and old friend, Suan Choo for taking me out for dinner, buying Sunway Lagoon tickets and spending the wee hours of morning chatting eventhough she has to work the next day
• Paul T for organising the ISCA reunion.
• Grace T, Mony, Cheng Hock and Jason T for your fellowship.
• Ai Sim for organising the get-together with Lim, Linda, Gan (BFC parents) at her home
• Amelya & children, Mony & children & Wai Leng's children for joining us at Sunway Lagoon
  

We have enjoyed our trip in Malaysia. We hope to either see you in Malaysia for our next trip or have you visit us in Bangkok.

Time To Go Back To Bangkok. Or Home?

It has already been 11 days since we arrived in Malaysia for the Chinese New Year holidays. The children are happy with their 'ang pow' monies, eaten their various favorite food, visited some fun places and caught up with families and friends.

Tomorrow we are leaving to Bangkok. Are we going back home or leaving home? Is Malaysia home? Or is Bangkok home? A tough question for expats. Not sure which to call home. To my children, home is where their smelly pillows and bolsters are.

So, my conclusion is, we are leaving Malaysia and going HOME to Bangkok tomorrow.

Happy Valentine's Day, Dear!

Dear Ivan,


Send this eCard !


Happy Valentine's Day! Sorry we can't be together this Valentine's Day because I am enjoying myself in Malaysia and you are busy working in Bangkok.

But in 2 day's time, I shall be back! So, keep the diamond ring and the bouquet of roses for me... ;-)

From,
Your wonderful wife

Ang Pow

"Ang Pow" is a red packet or envelope filled with money. During Chinese New Year, married couples gives these red packets to children and singles. The funny tradition is, as long as you are a single, you will be elligible to receive 'ang pow', even if you are 60 years old!

Its wonderful to be a child during Chinese New Year. For my children, its because of the money which they will accumulate throughout this season.

An average red packet consist of RM5 (THB50). So far, Joel says that the minimum he has received in a red packet was RM3 (THB30). Not bad. The maximum he has received is RM100 (THB1,000).

My children has been fantasizing about the things they want to purchase with the 'ang pow' money. When I was a child, I used to save it in the bank. I hope they will do that too.

Holiday, Family, Malaysia and Everything Else

There are so many experiences and events which has happened since I arrived in Malaysia. Internet access is not easily available and I have been so busy catching up with friends and families.

I will surely update you with many interesting things which I experienced while back in Malaysia.

My hubby has returned to Bangkok due to work commitments, yesterday. The children and I are still here and we aspire to do various things before we return to Bangkok in a week's time.

Ethaniel and His Two Front Teeth, Again!!!

2nd Two Front Teeth

Executed by me, again this afternoon.

So, Ethaniel is officially singing the song "All I Want For Chinese New Year is My Two Front Teeth".

He look so funny!!!! Ha ha ha

Preparing, Packing and Some More Packing!

We are leaving for Malaysia in a few days, so, we have been busy. We have been spending the last few days washing the clothes so that I can pack it for our trip back to Malaysia. Today was mostly ironing, packing, clearing and washing stuffs in the house so that things will not rot while we are away.

The children has been ironing their clothes. Joel can do it well. Ethaniel on the other hand insist on doing it. When I wanted to take-over, he started tearing...sob.. sob... Oh well, its good training anyway. Just have to re-iron it after he finishes.

Ironing his clothes

Trying to iron his clothes

Packing, packing and some more packing

Trying out his suit

All of our clothes, nicely ironed

Happy Chinese New Year 2008!!!

To All My Families and Friends,

Happy Chinese New Year 2008!


Send this eCard !
May God bless you with wonderful and treasured moments with your loved ones.

Ethaniel and His Two Front Teeth

Ethaniel's teeth has been shaky for some time now, I wrote about it on 23 Jan. The time has come...

I asked Ethaniel if he wants me to "help" him hasten the process. It obviously is too risky to keep it there. He might accidentally have it for lunch. He was hesitant, after a little coaxing from me and encouragement from Joel, he agreed. I did it for Joel too. Just to assure him that others has taken the same path.

So at 10.35am on 4 Feb 2008, Monday. I successfully dislodged his 1st two front teeth.

The apparatus required to perform the task

Joel looking for the tooth which 'flew' away

Mission accomplished

The crater

One happy little boy

Language A Barrier in Thailand??? YES!!!!

Probably 2% of the population of Thailand can speak English. In Bangkok, you might be able to find some people who can speak "a litten" English (That's how they reply). Its not unusual for waitress, waiters, shopkeepers and etc. to only speak "Yes" and "No" in English.

So, various times we have got ourselves into a web because of our inability to read or speak fluent Thai. And yesterday was one of it.

Fuji Restaurant is a very popular franchise Japanese restaurant. The price is very reasonable, service is fast, good and you get it at almost all shopping complexes all over Bangkok. We frequent the place. Lately, encouraged by a friend, I have decided to purchase the Fuji Smart Card on 22 Dec 2007. I told her that I will come to pick up the card after I return from my holidays early Jan 08.

Since then I have gone twice to pick up my card and yesterday was the 2nd time.

Upon purchasing the card on 22 Dec, I told the waitress and pointed to the word Fuji Smart Card and I have no clue how she thought I wanted Fuji Smart Cake???!! (is there such a thing?). Apparently, she thought I purchased the cake and not the card. Does it rhyme? Maybe. Was she confused. Maybe. Anyway. According to them, I have to pay extra for the card. But I didn't get the cake. Does not matter. I have neither and I still have to pay to get the card.

Me: I don't want the cake. I want the card.

Waitress: The cake expired. If you want card, pay more.

Me: *eyes bulging* *hyper ventilating*

Waitress: Wait, I talk to Supervisor

I kicked up a fuss by talking slightly faster than normal and raising my voice a notch higher (background was noisy). At last they relented and gave me my card.

I was frustrated. But according to my friends who have stayed here for some time. You want your way? Just kick up a fuss and they will give in. The Thais are not confrontational people. They do not like a scene and come to think about it, I have not seen one.

Life is not boring in Thailand, eh?

Sunday School Promotion!

Our church in Bangkok, the Sunday School practices promotion when the child go to the next stage. Both my boys were due for a promotion. Joel to pre-teen class and Ethaniel to primary class.

So, they had a presentation ceremony during the Sunday worship service. Since we are homeschoolers, we don't usually have such official ceremony for the children, unlike school going children. So, to us, last Sunday was something to remember. I recalled when I was in school or church, my parents never came for any of the meetings, ceremonies or Sports Day. How fortunate my children to have us fully involved in every aspect of their lives from education, rock climbing,football, vacation and etc.

Ethaniel was very, I mean very happy to be promoted to the next class. In his own words...

"I am so happy now that I am in a new class.

I don't have to stay with that naughty boy, Ben. The boy who hits me sometimes... Kicks the teacher too(????!!!), naughty, naughty

I like my new teacher.... cannot remember her name...

I have new friends. Yahoooo!"

The teacher said that he is very responsive in class and loves to interact. Yes, I know. Ethaniel the Extrovert.

Me: Ethaniel, are you a good boy in class?

Ethaniel: (Took 3 seconds to response) Sometimes.

Me: Why sometimes? (???!!!)

Ethaniel: Hmm... just sometimes.

Joel enjoyed his new class as well.

Me: How is your new class?

Joel: We had a game today. If the boys manage to answer a question from the teacher, we get to through balls at the girls. And if the girls manage to answer a question, they get to through balls at us.

Me: So, did you answer any questions?

Joel: Teacher didn't ask any. So everybody threw balls at each other. It was SO FUN!

Me: :-/ *dumbfounded* (Boys will be boys)

(Photos and video will be added later)

Day 6 - Holiday in Pai, North Thailand

To Read Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3,Day 4, Day 5

26 December 2007

Pai

We spent 2 nights in Pai before we move on to Mae Hong Son. Today is our 2nd night.

The weather in the morning was very cold. In order to keep warm, I took a hot shower. We had breakfast then headed towards Lod Cave.

Lod Cave

The novelty of the visit was the raft experience. The cave itself is very normal , nothing special. The interesting thing was sitting on a raft which was manually pulled by a man. Each raft was B400.

Lod Cave consisted of 3 caves. The last one was called Coffin cave due to the many deaths in WWII. After finishing the 2nd cave, I told the lady guide that I didn't want to go to Coffin Cave, she seemed happy and puzzled at the same time. It must be creepy going into that cave.

Visit my online album on The Lod Cave.

Lisu Hilltribe

The journey to the Lisu Hilltribe was rocky. We had to go off-road to reach it. Upon reaching the village, it was deserted except for some wild boars, chicken, a few children and an old lady. The rest of the adults has gone to work.

A very hardworking tribe, I must admit. They go across the hill to farm rice, vegetables and etc.

We didn't have much goodies with us except some biscuits, chocolates and sweet. So, we gave them whatever we had.

Visit my online album on the Lisu Tribe.

Lahu Hilltribe

The Lahu tribe was not very far from the Lisu. They are a tribe from Myanmar which came to Thailand 20 years ago. The Lisu has to remain within the village. Since they are not officially Thai citizen, they are not free to move around Thailand or work. All along the way, we saw many army personnel with barricade. We were not sure why until now. This must be a land 'flowing with milk and honey'.

Before going to the village, we purchased some snacks for the children.

Cebu, his wife and two children host groups of people from The Peak Adventure tour. That is one of the way he earns some money. Keng, our guide disappeared and we later discovered he was busily cooking in the kitchen. He came out with a plate for rice and egg for Ethaniel, which I ate. It reminded me of the cooking by my Grandmother, using firewood. The food is very delicious, different from the normal taste of food cooked with gas or electricity. We stayed for 2 hours while Cebu cooked some sticky rice desert inserted into bambo.

Cebu making the sticky rice in bamboo

The kitchen where Keng cooked the food

The food half eaten. Yummy!

A photo with Cebu and family

The Lahu people

The Project

The life lived by the Lahu and Lisu is quite pitiful. They are not allowed to move out of the village to work, therefore, the poverty. They are very hardworking but lack the opportunity. One of the Lahu woman approached me to purchase her handmade bag which I did. Just to support her family and her.

I am planning to return to the tribe some time in the middle of the year to bring them some necessities e.g. clothings, books, toys and maybe some foodstuff. Its a project I intend to embark as a family and hopefully some friends too.

If you are interested to contribute, let me know.

Visit my online album on the Lahu Tribe.

Hot Water Spring

The day ended with a nice dip in the hot water spring. Oooo, the weather was very cold and it was almost 7pm when we finished.

I Had It Worst!

Have you ever spoken to someone, maybe a family member, friend or colleague who always had things worst than you? What do I mean? Let me explain:

Me: I am having such a bad cold and I just hate being sick.

Friend: Yeah, so do I. You know, I was not only having cold 6 months ago but to add to that, I had bronchitis.

Me: Is it?

Friend: To top it, my 5 children fell ill all at the same time.

Me: Oh dear.

Friend: Then the maid had to return to Indonesia. I told her not to leave but she said she wanted to return to get married. blah..blah..blah

Conclusion:
If you think you had it bad, someone else always THINKS they had it WORST than you.

Why do people do that?

Why do we often downplay another's pain and sorrow by topping it with ours?

Why is it we don't really allow someone to feel their pain and sorrow but instead "to make them feel better" by telling stories about our Auntie, Grandmother and etc. who had it worst then them?

Does it mean that whatever they are feeling, just because its not as bad as SOMEONE ELSE, it means its NOT painful or difficult?

We think that just because we relate a story which is much worst, it will console them. In a matter of fact, it does not. It makes the other person feel ignored and not emphatized.

Its OK to feel sad, fearful, pain, sorrow and all the human emotions. We are made that way. Not only to have joy and laughter. Don't consider joy as normal and the rest as BAD emotions. No. Its WHERE you go with the negative emotions that counts. Don't beat someone else or yourself for having those emotions. Deal with it eventually.

Me: I just had a miscarriage.

Friend: Is it? Aiya, I had 3 miscarriages. And all in a period of 6 months.

Me: Oh my. (Thinking to myself: Wow! That makes me feel wonderful. Yippee, I only have one. You know, I should not feel bad. People will die anyway, some just before they are born :-/)

In summary, when someone relate her sad, painful or hurtful story. Just LISTEN. No need to TOP IT. Its not a competition.

Day 5 - Holiday to Pai, Thailand (North Thailand)

To Read Day 1 , Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 6

25 December, 2007

Today is Christmas day. We have taken a 5 days 4 nights tour trip with The Peak Adventure which will begin today. At about 8am, Keng the guide cum driver arrived at Baan Nam Ping Riverside Village.

We had a good breakfast and it was at this breakfast, Khun Foo spoke to me about my sons. I wrote about it much earlier.

The Monkey Centre Show

Our first destination for the morning was to The Monkey Centre show. The centre is not very large and I have a feeling that it caters specifically for tourist. The shows seems to be ongoing and you can join in the show at anytime.

The monkeys were very well trained and we enjoyed the show. Unfortunately they were in steel chains, which gave me a chill. Meaning, they can be violent at times. Ethaniel was very withdrawn and didn't even dare to shake hands with any of the monkeys, whilst Joel was more brave.

Check out my online album for The Monkey Show.

The Orchid Farm

Next stop was at the orchid farm. The flowers were very beautiful but I thought that it looked pretty pathetic. They must be heaps of orchid farms and this is probably just one of it. Not so impressed with this particular orchid farm. I think Chiang Mai can do better, unfortunately the guide did not take us to a nicer farm.


Check out my online album for the Orchid Farm.

White Water Rafting

We drove to a very bumpy off road for almost 1 hr towards the Mae Tang village. That's where we will be doing our white water rafting.

Keng was kind enough to oblige and let Ivan take over the wheel. It has been a long time since Ivan droved on off road.

Upon arrival at the location, Keng cooked a delicious lunch for us. With some help from his colleagues, he had lunch ready within 15 mins. The menu was Tom Yum, fried eggs, vegetables, mushrooms and steamed rice for us. I was starving! The food tasted absolutely delicious! Keng was a good cook, as we found out.

Ethaniel was suppose to join us at the white water rafting but he "chickened out" and for good reasons. Its not going to be an easy ride. At least he had the sense to back out. So, he stayed with Keng, who was very happy to babysit him. Keng has a real soft spot for children and later for Ethaniel. They became the best of buddies after that "bonding session". It was just absolutely cute the way Keng was taken with Ethaniel and vice versa.

Ethaniel and Keng drove back via the same route we took. They stopped at certain section of the river to take some photos of us. They joined the rescue team at certain spots. This is for the purposes of helping us, in case our raft topple. I thought that was a very good idea. At least, I felt safer.

The white water rafting session was very fun, not as scary as expected, but really fun. Its much more scary during the rainy season in August. Right now, the water level is less and much slower. Therefore it took us 2 hours to finish the whole ride instead of 1.5 hours during rainy session.

I am proud to say that we did not topple! "High five!!! High Five!!Yeah, man!!!", quoting our raft Captain.

Check my online album on the White Water Rafting.

Pai

We headed towards Pai immediately after the white water rafting. Upon reaching, it was already 6.30pm. We checked into Pai Hillside Resort. We had two separate rooms, one for the children and one for us. The children enjoyed the privacy.

After dinner, we shopped at the Pai town. It was very crowded with Thai tourist. We saw interesting things. There was a Thai band playing jazz music in a small shop lot, mobile coffee in an old orange van and the concept of purchasing postcards together with stamps. The shop was very crowded with young people. In fact, its the most crowded shop in the whole street.

The weather was colder than Chiang Mai. We had to wear our jackets to keep warm. It wasn't freezing but it was cold.

Check out my online album for Pai.