Don't worry, be happy

Ahhh installment two... perhaps a bit overexcited about the positive response regarding installment one. Thank you readers!

So, after leaving Chaing Mai and the rain behind, we have arrived in the awesomeness that is PAI! (by public bus this time, a third of the price, surprisingly comfortable). The best way to describe Pai is a combination of a very dated Western movie, with a hippie commune. All the bars, houses etc. are made out of wood and I'm half expecting a cowboy in leather chaps to wander out of a bar welding his pistol at me chewing tobacco. Alas, nothing that exciting so far dear readers, just a crazy rasta in dungarees with a very warped version of how to 'woo' someone - the local DJ making eyes at us poor innocent girls by playing 'you sexy thing' (yes, you would have to believe in miracles my dear dungaree man.) and Marvin Gaye's 'sexual healing' Lord save me. Yet another place we can't return to.  Flashbacks to the one and only nightclub in Sri Lanka, Happy Banana... the less said the better

So if any of you are indeed heading to Pai, be prepared to either hire a bike or a moped as everything you would want to see or do is just over walking distance. We opted for the latter (don't worry Mother, helmets were worn at all times!) After a few false starts, involving me managing to lock the ignition closed and unable to open it again due to a broken key, oh the safety of Thai bike hire companies,  resulting in a very kind passer by calling the hire company and expalining our situation in Thai to them over the phone for us, we made it out into the open road.

Mopeds or motorbikes are truely the best way to see the beautiful scenery the north has to offer - rolling hills, huge great trees and the odd elephant along the way, we stopped at a waterfall for a few scenic snaps. That, along with the hippie bars playing good old Bob Marley, I could happily stay for weeks. Indeed, it seems as though many a traveller has arrived and never left the place. Half the population here have dreadlocks, tattoos and yes, hareem pants. I  have to admit, I have delved into this traveller obsession. What a  true 'gap yar tragedy' I am becomming! That along with my tragic tan lines, I've never been happier!

Looking forward to what the rest of Pai has to offer, but for now, a Phat Thai and a G&T is very much in order!

Lots of love dear readers - keep on reading! xxxx