Day2- thai pants and wot u mong?

Today, I had sure I got up early to head down to the old city of chiang mai to catch a tuk tuk to wot u mong. I hear you say what?! It’s a meditation Retreat temple. I was only visiting but I can understand why. It’s so peaceful (apart from the cockerels crowing away). Monks are everywhere. At the bottom of the grounds theses a lake where you can feed the fish and the pigeons. I bought a book to read up on Buddhism as I actually know very little. On the way out, I met James. He was staying in Thailand until February and had just spent 2 weeks on a meditation retreat. He had mixed feelings about it but said it had certainly made him more relaxed. We got in a taxi and head down to chiang mai City before parting ways.
Later on, I went to the well know sunday walking market. There was food stalls and generally market produce. Tried chiang mai sausage which is amazing. This is where I discovered thai pants. They are so comfy and weigh hardly anything so are the perfect travellers pants. Elephant nature park tomorrow so up early.

Day 1 lanterns, temples and tuk tuks

Thailand- chiang mai, the first full day

I can’t believe I’m here already. Have had an amazing time so far visiting the Festival of Lights (yee peng/loy kratong) and various temples today. Made a note of everything in my journal and then realised I should also be posting to my blog too! So I took a picture and have posted it instead as its bed time 🙂

Countdown

Not long now! Only 18 days until I’m off on my travels. Still so much to do.

Blood donations, Vaccines and Preparations

With less than 2 months to go before my adventures in Thailand, a great idea crossed my mind. Giving blood.

Being on the organ donor list, I want to help those who need help. I would have to wait 28 days after visting Thailand and didnt want to wait. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t alittle nervous when I was walking to the local donation centre. The nurses were all accomodating and looked after me very well after I started to faint while trying to stand up afterwards (which was rather embarrassing!). A glass of juice and a digestive biscuit and i was back on my way.

Now the trip is all paid for, it’s time to protect myself against the plague of diseases Thailand has to offer. After speaking to my local travel clinic, 3 vaccinations were suggested.

– Japanese encephalitis

A viral brain infection found in pigs and birds which is spread to humans by mosquito bites. It can not be spread from human to human. It is common in rural areas where there are rice fields and pig farms. Symptoms include flu like symptoms although if it spreads to the brain, seizures, confusion, paralysis and speech impendiments may occur. There is no cure for this disease and treatment is supportive to help the body fight the imfection. If serious symptoms develop, 1:3 people will die so the vaccination is worth it considering I will be bathing elephants on a daily basis.

-Typhoid

A bacteria infections caused by Salmonella Typhi (a close relation to the bacterium that causes food poisoning). It is generally contracted due to poor hygiene and precautions such as drinking bottled water and washing hands can help prevent contracting the disease as the vaccine is not 100% effective. Symptoms include headaches, stomach pains, a temperature of 39-40 degrees celcius and diarrhoea/constipation. A course of antibiotics will stop the disease in its tracks.

-Hepatitis A

A viral liver infection spread by poor hygiene, sharing needles and faecal ingestion. Symptoms include a mild fever of 39.5 degree celcius, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, jaundice, itchy skin and a tender sore liver. There is no cure and supportive treatment of pain relief, antiemesis medications, rest and reducing itching symptoms is essential in combating the disease.

 

Malaria is a low to no risk in Chiang Mai so its unlikely to be a problem but malaria tablets are up for discussion.

With my birthday next week, presents for Thailand will soon be winging their way to me. Cant wait!

 

 

Cut and Paste

While keeping a watchful eye on the latest news coming from the military coup in Thailand, I’ve been doing some research into where I’ll be staying.
The first 3 nights in Chiang Mai will be spent in Eco Resort. Its a hostel but not as you know it. Its well decorated and insists it is environmentally friendly. It has a restaurant, gym, free wifi and many other services to make guests feel at home.
I will then be spending 6 nights at the elephant nature park in shared accommodation with other volunteers.
Following one further night at Eco Resort, I’ll be heading to Bangkok to the Rembrandt Hotel for some much needed TLC following a week of hard work with the elephants. This hotel has everything I could ever wish for. Spa, gym, restaurant, room service, 4th floor pool overlooking the city and all its magnificient sights. I cant wait!
There have been some updates to the journal also. Cutting and pasting google maps of the routes I’ll need to take between accommodations. Its still 5 months away but the last few months have flown by. Thailand is very much round the corner.

Thailand. On the verge of Civil war?

Thailand. On the verge of Civil war?

Ive recently found out that there is an awful power struggle currently underway in Thailand. Is this something I should be worried about? Ive done some research into events and it seems such a pity considering just a few years ago, there seemed to be an era of peace. I was wondering if there is anyone out there who has been in a country while a similar situation has been going on.

I wont be travelling out there until November and will be mainly be in chaing mai but will spend my last night in bangkok. Hopefully nothing will emerge and the country will find a resolution to the problems but I guess I would just like reassurance. 

Hostels and Hotels

Ventured into Canterbury today and popped down to STA Travel. Thought it was time to book the remaining hostels and hotels for my trip to Thailand.

On arrival in Chaing mai in November, I’ll be settling into a hostel for 3 nights while exploring the city before I move into the Elephant Nature Park for 7 days to look after the elephants. I’ll settle back into a hostel for one final night in Chaing Mai before leaving for Bangkok.

The adventure in Bangkok will be short unfortunately but hopefully one day will be enough to see the sights and sounds before heading back home. I booked a hotel for the last night that has a pool, beautiful views of the city and 4* accommodation. Thought a treat would be in order if i’ve been bathing, feeding and shoveling poop for a week!

Also booked travel insurance and paid the extra so the excess can be wavered if I’m ill while I’m away (*runs around the room touching all the wooden furniture….). One less thing to think about while on my adventure.

Backpack Selfie

Cant wait to start filling up the rucksack and be off on my adventures!

The Backpack

Following payday on Friday, I decided to invest……in a 65L rucksack! Sad I know but I walked into the shop all bright eyed and beaming from ear to ear. Making the first purchase from my wish list has made me realize that this is actually happening…….well……. in 7 months time anyway. 

Also in the shopping bag was an 18L rucksack for during the day, a giant micro-fibre towel and a water bottle. Its funny how the simple things bring the greatest joy. I still have plenty of items still to get, not to mention vaccinations, insurance and some hostels still to book but it really feels like the start of something new or even a new me. Who knows? Watch this space!