Trekking, Marijuana, and Solar Panels

The mountains, jungle, and villages around Chiang Mai are totally sweet. Just got back from a 3 day trek hiking around and was able to get off the beaten track to truly witness the beauty of Northern Thailand. We hiked about 50km in humid jungle heat, with the majority of it on mountains, bathed in waterfalls, and slept in cool little bamboo huts.

On the last day we were hiking by some villages and witnessed a large scale marijuana burning frenzy. Apparently farm authorities were spotted in the area and all the villagers had to eliminate “excess” weed stockpiles. From what I understand, they’re allowed to have a certain number of plants that are considered happenstance. The fires were huge.

I also learned something else in the countryside that is big time advanced for a country that’s still considered a “developing” nation. The Thai government is issuing solar panels to any villagers that want them. Don’t have power, but would like power? Here’s your complimentary solar panel. Rock out. Villages may not have a toilet that flushes, but they’re juiced with green energy. Bangkok may still be one of the world’s most polluted cities, but Thailand is employing some smart environmental-friendly policies at the same time.

That’s all for now. Off to Chiang Rai and Pai before heading to Southern Thailand. woot!