Chiang Kon, June 19, 2012

Its been a while since last time I wrote. 

 After arriving from BK i headed to Chaing Mai, a very nice and green city 700 kilometers to the north. Chaing mai is famous for its elephant and tiger sanctuaries, although to be honest, in my opinion while nice places to see the animals, you see their unhappiness in their eyes. I went for ten minutes but could not stand to see such a powerful animal in such condition so I left.

Then i went to Pai..what a dream of place..relx..relax..relax..that is the word. A beautiful river, a nice and very cheap hostal (3 dollars) excellent food and a beautiful landscape around the town.

After 4 days in Pai ( i could have stayed longer) it was time to go back and join a meditation retreat..two days of silence, meditation and budist instruction. It was great. One of the most difficult things to do, but incredible. I met some very interesting people. I could say a million things about the retreat but i believe is one of those things that is was for me and for me only.

y next step was Chiang Rai, a tranquil and small city closer to the border with Burma. There i found the best hostal i have visited so far. 30 kilometers from town, and part of a native community, its managed by them and it is located among tea plantations and bamboo forest. I was the only guest and so I had the entire place for myself, long walks, silence, nie people..incredible.

The landscape in norther Thailand somehow reminds me of some places in Colombia, although the green is a different one..the rice padies, the agricultiral life, the tools, has a unique falvour, similar, yet unique..i dont know how to explain it.

The people have been incredible,  they are used to tourist so it makes it easier to travel, everyone has the basic three words you need to buy something.

I keep having juices every day..how many..i dont know..but many.

My clothing situation is the following: 1 pair of shorts, 3 t shirts and two underwear. Reall\y who needs more.

In terms of money spend i am to about 30 dollars a day including transportation. 

Now i am heading to Laos, there is been a change of plans as Alma can not me in Luamprabang so i am making my way south faster.