The Hills of Chiang Rai

March 3 - March 5

Other than teaching at the school, our time in the Chiang Rai hills was filled with tiered waterfalls, jungle hikes, river boat taxis, a private hot spring, and playing games with an elephant.

The waterfall was a regular stop on our way home from the village everyday. After a long, sticky hot walk along a winding mountain road it was completely worth the extra fifteen minute hike to reach the enormous, gushing, ice cold waters of this waterfall. A swim wasn't even necessary. Sitting on the cold stones that surrounded the pool on one of its many tiers while being showered in the clean mist was more than enough. I would have to say I had the best nap of my life on one of these cold rocks, unbelieveabley peaceful.

Dylan and I had plans of taking an elephant ride but when we arrived, our hearts sank. I don't think anyone likes to be tied to a stake forced to stand in the hot sun and sand all day with a huge harness tied around your entire body that also restricts your ability to take a crap (and if you eat as much as those guys do, you have to go alot too) then to top it off carry around some fat tourist. So obviously we nixed the idea to ride the elephants. Instead, I found one that seemed to be rather fond of me (as Dylan pointed out as he glimpsed at his loins) and he wanted to play games with us. Dylan and I played catch with the elephant trunk and exchanged numerous hugs before we said goodbye to a gentle giant friend.

And oooo the hotspring. Not something that immediately comes to mind when it is already 90 degrees outside, but a natural hot bath always does a body good!