Pleasure and Pain

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We woke today really excited! Early and tired, but excited. We showered, packed all our stuff for the store room, had breakfast and waited for our guide to give us the go. We got in the mini bus and introduced ourselves. Everyone was really nice and I'm glad we were all such a mixing pot. Japanese, Korean, French and English. Again, everyone talks in the common language of English, although our very talented Fred can speak a little Japanese. She amazes me all the time! Our first stop, was at a market. There was some really interesting food on sale here. I needed a new day bag, so me and Luc went to find one. I found a perfect one in a little stall and then met everyone back at the jeep. On the road again and after a while, my poor Luc began to get motion sickness. I felt so bad for him. After a while, we arrived at the Waterfall. It was beautiful. Stunning! We had a splash around and took loads of photos. Then it was back to the jeep for poor Luc. We eventually had to pull over for him and he had turned very, very pale. The Guides were really good with him. When we got going again, Luc sat up front. Next stop was lunch and then on to a natural Hot Spring. The biggest in Thailand. Luc and I sat back to back so he could lean on me. Luckily, we left the jeep behind here and set off on a 4 hour trekk through the Jungle.

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Walking in this amazing place it's hard to look around, because you have to watch every step. It was often a very, very steep climb and the ground was very rugged. Once in a while, we would stop while the Guide 'Nooka' showed us something and told us all about it. Things such as a banana flower, or to explain the different types of bamboo and how the villagers use it. Nooka is 'Karen' and Karen people are from the hilltribes here in Thailand. Although they live in Thailand, they are not given citizenship and are not entitled to minimum wage. They also miss out on education and most of them cannot speak Thai, read or write. They live in tribal villages in the Hills and live off the land. The Karen are beautiful people. In spirit as well as appearance. They have warm friendly eyes and a peaceful nature. Nooka is learning English and done really well for himself by becoming a tourist guide.

Karen people are from the hilltribes here in Thailand...They live in tribal villages in the Hills and live off the land

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After the long but amazing trekk, we arrived in Nooka's village. We were shown our sleeping quaters and Nooka went to make our evening meal. Fred, Luc and I went to find the shower to freshen up. It was a little chilly already up in the hills at 5pm and one look at the freezing cold tap hanging in the corner of a little bamboo hut changed our mind about a shower. We freshened and changed with much giggling and went to join the others. Everyone was chilling outside the room and me and Fred went in to watch Nooka cooking.  He was cooking in a huge pot over a fire with loads of chopped vegetables. The room he was cooking in, was also the bedroom for himself and his brother 'Coocoo' (the crazy young cheeky one I'll mention tomorrow).

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Dinner was served and we all sat around to eat. It was getting really chilly and we all had jumpers on. Food was good. After dinner, they brought out a guitar and asked if anyone played. Fred and Luc dropped me in it and nominated me. I said maybe later. Coocoo played a nice Thai song and then I played a few for everyone to sing along to. It was fun. At 8.30 everyone started going to bed and me, Fred and Luc wondered where the party was! We had to be quiet, so no more music. Instead we went outide to look at the stars. They have no electric wires here, so the little light they have is solar powered. This means, that at night the sky is really clear. It was beautiful. A really nice moment for us all. Soon we joined the others and tried to sleep, but it was so cold! I tried to use Luc as a blanket, but he was having none of it lol. He was freezing too, so we wrapped ourselves in blankets and drifted in and out of freezing slumbers.

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Tomorrow is Elephant riding and Bamboo rafting!! Excellent!

Elaine x x x