Our (adventurous) Five Days in Pai, Thailand

 

After now being settled in Chiang Mai for one month (two months for Zack!), we were super excited to go on our first little trip.  With last week being October break for teachers here, we planned a little getaway a few hours north, up to a place called Pai (pronounced somewhere between "Pie" and "Bye"... we still can't master that short "P" sound).  Nestled in the hills of Northern Thailand, this small populated town (approx. 3,000 people?) is, in my opinion, the perfect place to find the best of both worlds:  outdoor adventure combined with a completely chill atmosphere.  Hiking trails, waterfalls and beautiful scenery, combined with a somewhat "hippie" vibe in the town, Pai has become a popular off the beaten track destination for many backpackers.  We had read about this place having the reputation that really anything goes, and we were eager to find out what this place was really like.

Despite waking up on Saturday morning with a sinus pain and runny nose, we packed one backpack between the two of us (we are seriously getting good at this "packing light" thing) and hopped on our motorbike.  It was kind of a last minute decision to drive ourselves.  Up until the day before, we had planned on taking a bus.  Here's the thing:  With 762 twists and turns, we were told you have to be slightly crazy to drive all the way up to Pai.  After some more research, we decided we'd go for it anyways.  I truly think Zack has some really decent driving skills on the motorbike (unlike myself... I went out on the roads once and felt so out of control it was scary.  I'll have to work on that one), and we decided we'd take our time and enjoy the journey.  With that being said, our motto for the drive was (in a very calm voice):  The journey is the destination.  Shanti.  (Shanti means peace in Hindu.  I thought it suited the Pai vibe).    

So, before I go into more detail about where and how we ended up discovering our Pai adventures, I am really excited to present to you our very first GoPro video!!  Zack recently bought a basic GoPro for my birthday and we are really excited to use it throughout our travels in SouthEast Asia!  Presenting:  Adventures in Pai:

Culture Shock in Chiang Mai: My first Impressions

Across the street, there are people selling beetles the size of my palm (for fighting purposes), down the street you can find grilled frog on the menu, and I'm not so sure what exactly was in my noodle soup that I just ate.  Welcome to Chiang Mai!  Though I had thought I knew what I was getting into, it turns out I really had no clue.  After spending 36 hours travelling from Toronto, to Shanghai, to Cheng Du (China), and eating rice for three meals a day, I could barely wait to touch down in Chiang Mai, Thailand and reunite with my husband, Zack.  

Chiang Mai Jungle Trek

Quick Update:  From England to Thailand... it's really happening!  

In mid August, Zack and I (Sarah) parted ways.  I flew back to Canada to visit with family and friends, and Zack took off to the opposite corner of the world.  Zack has now been living and working in Chiang Mai, Thailand for just over one month now.  Thankfully, because of technology, we've been able to keep in contact quite easily and both of us are jealous of what the other one is doing.  I fly out next week(!) to join him in the adventure and can hardly wait (though I have loved catching up with family and friends). 

Here's what he was up to last weekend, written by Mr. Zack himself!  (Mr. Zack is what his students call him... :))

Living in Chiang Mai has been very exciting so far. I have loved trying out all the new foods, whipping around town on my motorbike, walking the streets, and taking in all the sights and sounds. Unfortunately it is not the most pedestrian friendly city and it can at times become overwhelming for someone who enjoys strolling around town. Fortunately I have been able to do some exploring on weekends. I have made it to a quarry to do some cliff jumping and swimming. Gone to the lake for a swim and hiked up to some local waterfalls. Twice I have hiked up the local mountain to find beautiful views looking out over the city. It is always nice to escape the craziness of the city and get back to nature. I was therefore so excited to have a long weekend and signed myself up for a 2 day 1 night trek through the Thai jungle.

We're moving to Thailand!

(Sorry mom- not coming home yet)

I blame it on the travel bug.  Look what this year has done to us.  It has left us with a desire to see more of the world, and chase after doing the things we never thought we'd do in our lifetime.  Not a bad thing though, eh?  In fact, it gives me goosebumps!  The cultural experiences, the new people, the food, the warmth, the adventure... it has all been calling our names ever so loudly this past year!  So we've decided to make a bold move, and will be relocating to Chiang Mai, Thailand for the next two years.