Stuck in the North

So I am still stuck in the Northern vortex of Thailand. Perhaps they put something in the water, because I’m finding it impossible to leave and go to the south. The scenery is awe-inspiring, the people are happy and friendly, the food is awesome, and everything is cheap. Whenever I think about voyaging south, I think about how much effort that would entail and then I compromise with a bus ride to the next town over. I think it’s settled: the white-sand beaches, secluded islands, and beachside climbing will have to wait until later in the trip. Perhaps February.

Since last post I’ve been to Pai, Soppong, and now Mae Hong Son – each a little smaller and more beautiful than the last. In Pai I took a Thai cooking class and learned how to make traditional curry, stir-fry, and Thai soups and salads. There was also a lot of emphasis on specific ingredients and spices and tricks cooking with a wok. Totally sweet. In Soppong I checked out this enormous cave called Tham Lod. In Mae Hong Son I’ve just been trekking around a lot and hanging out with other backpackers and a few locals. Aw yes, it’s a good life.

Thai Cooking Class in Pai

Cave Lod in Soppong

Lake in Mae Hong Son