Shanewilson's travel blogs:
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Train Trip to Chiang Mai
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I think the biggest problem I'll have on this RTW trip is saying goodbye to all the fantastic people I'm meeting along the way... leaving Bangkok was another one of those days:( I'm glad I'll have the opportunity to re-visit Bangkok in a month... and I'm currently contemplating spending more time in this city after my 2 months through China...
I'm writing this on arrival in Chiang Mai so I'm a bit worse for wear. It is a public holiday today so most places of interest are closed. The train left Bangkok half an hour late at 10pm last night, and arrived 12 hours later at 10am. I had a second class sleeper which was quite comfortable. Looking back on the trip, I'm glad I took the train and not the plane... there is something quite mystical about night trains that I love. And I enjoyed seeing the scenery, bamboo houses and farmers outside the window. It took a few hours to get to sleep but I slept very well after about 2am... unfortunately, I ordered breakfast and was awoken at 7am to sandwiches, OJ and coffee.
Unfortunately, Game's commitment to opening his shop this week meant that he had to skip visiting Chiang Mai at this time... his prime purpose for coming here would be to shop and continue to stock his own shop with merchandise from the northern part of Thailand. Depending on his schedule this week he may come later during the week. He has many things to do including painting, furnishing the shop and continuing to buy stock. I really admire Game's work ethic and vision for his business... even though it is a small shop, he has plans of buying more and more little shops as time progresses. I can see that he will do well because he has networking down pat and has a great mind for business. One of the great things I've noticed about the Thai people is their amazing work ethic... they work amazingly long hours for such low pay.
The last few days in Bangkok have definitely been the best of the trip so far... Game introduced me to many of his friends, took me to numerous Western and Thai restaurants (he use to run his own) and took me to nightlife places frequented by Thais - a fantastic way to get to know the true essence of the city. Being around other western tourists (i.e. Kao San Road) really doesn't do it for me. Other travellers will probably agree with me in saying that it is the people (usually local) that make the experience...
The plan for Chaing Mai is to do at least 1 trek to a nearby Mountain Village to meet the locals, develop my Thai cooking skills and shop/relax after my very busy time in Bangkok. Should be a very interesting 4 nights before heading to Vientiane for 2 nights. I'm staying in a small guesthouse called 'Your Guesthouse'. After the expense of Bangkok, it will be very good going back to a low budget of $7 a night for my own room with ensuite. Talk about a bargain:)
More photos will come soon when I'm a little more alert and have the patience:)
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