Yesterday I made it back from the 2 day cycling / trekking adventure. It was absolutely incredible being in the mountains. We started out on mountain bikes for the first 4 hours or so. I must admit, I never found mountain bikes all that comfortable. Given the choice, I prefer city bikes. But let me tell you... on the rocky and hilly terrain those mountain bikes do surprisingly well. I can now see those mountain bikes inventors were definitely on to something when the came up with the bike design. Thank you mountain bike inventors!
After a short rest for lunch we started the 3 hour hike up and up and up the mountain. Yeah, probably at that point I was not so impressed with the beauty of the mountains. But that was all forgotten when we reached the top. Total elevation gained: 1700 meters (5577 feet). Total weight lost: 0 kilos (0 pounds). We just ate WAY to well during the whole trip. We spent the night in a hill tribe village at the very top of the mountain. They killed a chicken for us for dinner. First lesson learned: Chicken does not taste better when you have actually seen the live version an hour before.
The next day we stared our 7 hour trek at 8 am. Second lesson learned: What goes up, must come down. And oh - a steep down it was! Luckily our guide made us bamboo hiking poles. They did their job, as none of us fell off the mountain. We did come close a few times though....
Wildlife see on trip:
- butterflies
- birds
- mosquitoes
- spiders
- Centipedes
- HUGE worms (really - they were about a foot long)
- Other creepy crawlers (some also abnormally large; there must be something in the mountain water)
Domestic animals seen on trip:
- Turkey
- Duck
- Chicken (minus the one we ate for dinner)
- Cows
- Horses
- Cats
- Flies (I am counting this as domestic since one flew around my head nearly the entire second day. I guess it got attached to me. I know that I actually felt quite alone when the buzzing sound stopped, once I finally squashed the thing).
- Roaches (debatable on the domestic list - but I only saw them on the bamboo bed we slept on)
Clearly this trip was not for those wildlife voyeurs.
Today was another relaxing day. I am really getting into those... I did a little shopping. Turning down a cute bracelet or necklace for a $1 is tough! If you are expecting a gift from me.. please forgot that I mentioned the price. I also gave in and splurged on a 1 hour massage ($4). Mind you... that is 2 bracelets and 2 necklaces. The massage was great! Although I have not been to a place that tops the foot massage that I got in Pai. But I would say that the one here was second best. When the masseuse is using both her knees and elbows at the same time it is really a feat of acrobatics. And boy, did it feel good!
Tomorrow I am headed further north to Nong Khiaw. Then I will be turning east and heading toward Vietnam.
4 comments:
What about them Lions and Tigers and Bears, hoe-hoe-ha-ha my love? But at least you got to see foot long centipedes. Are the roaches that lengthy and portly too? Life most be good for those yucky creatures.
Good for you those massages. Maybe you could earn a nice buck w a typical American massage...fast, lots of chit-chatting and expensive!
Have fun in Nong Khiaw, POI (Points Of Interest)?
Keep on climbing love. I am proud of you!
Aloha from Sarasota, Mom
PS. did you see that movie "into the wild"? Looks like "everybody" has seen it and they say it is great (and... based on real facts).
Well, do you see ANY movie at all overthere or are they still into "Gone with the Wind"?
Love form you Bahamamamamia-mama
Hi Hannah, coming back from Luang Prabang was not easy, first to start working again, then the stiffness in my body. The aching only stopped now. And then for no reason I experienced the Delhi Belly, or also called the Bangkok belly and I am sure there are more versions. But I am better now.
Oh, and hereby I would also like to mention to aunt Martien that I did see Mick Jagger in Luang Prabang some months ago ... I was one meter away from him, his twice as tall girlfriend and his friendly body guard. The next day my flight got delayed. Why? Mr Jagger had to go first in his private jet. While all falang where staring at Mick Jagger, the Lao people had much more interest in this cute baby of a Falang couple. I mean, how often do you get to see Mick Jagger closely and when do you get to see a baby....
I hope you enjoy the rest of your travels! Love Sara
Well, I am glad you are starting to get the drift of it all. That the relaxation days are coming easier and easier. The slower you go the more you can see.
Sara, is good to have around. I'm glad you two got to spend some time together. It was good for you both.
Just take it easy and take it all in don't be rushed.
jim
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