| Time to Relax
My next stop was a small city in the northwest corner of Thailand called Pai. This is a place where I had heard people go planning to stay 2 days and end up staying 2 weeks and after 1 day there I could see why. It is a very small town that has blossomed in the last 10 years and has become a tourist hangout for farangs (westerners). Sometimes it seems there are more farangs in Pai than Thais. There are an abundant number of guest houses and restaurants for every taste. My guest house was situated on the Pai River with hammocks and cushions for lazing around on which I did plenty of while there.
Rotis... have to try the Rotis
I have made a habit of tasting the pancakes wherever I have been. In Russia they call them bilinis, in Poland they called them pancakis, in Greece they called them crepes. In Thailand they call them Roti's and I might add they are delicious. They are one of the many street foods that can be found almost anywhere you go. My favorite so far are the ones with fresh pineapple inside and condensed milk drizzle on top. As you can see from the picture I have turned my friends on to the rotis as well. Correne, Paul, who I met in Pai and Susan and Duncan, who I met on the trek a week or so from Chiang Mai joined me in a feast one evening in Pai.
Watch out--Dara rents a motorbike
One of the big things to do in Thailand is to rent a motorbike because it such an easy mode of transportation. I am not very fond of motorbikes (my mother warned me very sternly as a child that motorbikes are dangerous!), and I went against better judgment and rented one for a day anyway.
Gorgeous Countryside
The countryside in Pai is absolutely breathtaking and it was great to get out of the city for a day and see the area without having to worry about public transportation. This picture shows the freshly cut rice fields.
and more countryside
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Temple on the hill
And a nice drive up to the Wat (temple) on the hill with amazing views of the valley below.
Next stop Laos
My next stop is going to be Laos. From Pai I took a long winding road to Chiang Rai, spent a night then headed out to the border city of Chiang Khong before heading across the border to Laos and taking a 2 day slow boat down the Mekong River. I have really enjoyed my time in Thailand and will probably stop in the eastern part of the country after going to Laos. The people are so friendly and the food is fantastic. It is a great place to travel and very cheap as well. I have spent more time in Thailand than any other country in my travels and would love to spend more time. One day....
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