Thailand really does have many faces, from the lazy life on select Islands, to the bustling life of some major cities. Northern Thailand is no exception. It’s face is of nature. Up toward Chiang Mai I was able to crash with family again in Lumphun. Grateful for the shelter and food, I was also able to check out what most visit the north for, Trekking.

Spending 3 days and 2 nights, trekking through the more remote parts of the outdoors gave me a glimpse of what Survivorman goes through. Minus the fact that I was able to pack whatever I thought I would need. Oh and we had a guide, oh and had our meals cooked for us, and we had shelter. …. So I guess its nothing like what Survivorman goes through, just more like camping. Spent the first two days hiking through the jungle from one waterfall to the next. Passing rice fields all along the way, all belonging to different villages. And what the “Thais” consider a waterfall, most Canadians would consider a rapid river.

On the last day they save the best for last. Elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Elephant riding is well self explanatory. Got to ride an elephant who always stopped to poo everywhere, and would break off branches and beat his own face with it. ???? As for the bamboo rafting, they really could spare a couple more pieces of bamboo for the raft. With 4 people on it, it sat almost under water level the whole time. Its cool when the sign says wearing a life jacket at all times is mandatory, then they don’t give you one. YAY THAILAND. Oh well met some cool people and had a good time.

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Lastly I made a stop off at the Tiger Kingdom. This place is quite the toss up on the conscience. Firstly when will you ever get to hug a full size tiger? Well without it being the last thing you do. On the other hand supporting an organization that keeps tigers in captivity drugged up an abused, not cool. Though the hugging a tiger got the best of me…Hey I saved Turtles a month back that makes up for it right? Ahah.

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Off to Laos now…..