We've Arrived - !!!
Thursday / Friday ...
The 13hour flight went surprisingly quickly. Soon after take off we had a bite to eat and watched "Mr & Mrs Smith" for a couple of hours. Then it was lights out, sleep in small bursts, awake for breakfast and within an hour or so were approaching to land. We both felt pretty groggy during the night, Nat more so than myself. At one point she popped to the loo and passed out on the way back. I think it was a combination of tiredness and lack of sleep from the past week. Unfortunately everyone was asleep so she just picked herself up and sat back down!


Bangkok airport was bustling and we sussed that we could walk to the domestic terminal in only 10 mins rather than take the 100baht shuttle bus. The Thais are very friendly and helpful. Then after 90mins wait we boarded a flight to Chiang Mai. The starter motor on the aircraft was a bit dodgy but after 8 attempts the plane finally jerked into life - not good for Nats stress levels!
It was great to be met by Sarah and her side-kick Fon at the airport.
Our accomodation is simple but clean and we have an en-suite bathroom so we are happy.
Nats wrecked and again we sleep in moderately small bursts.

Saturday ...
The morning was spent lying in for a bit and then catching up with Sarah as rain stopped play. During the afternoon the husband of our guest-house owner, Nouie took us around the Bo Sang craft village where they make silk items, silver jewellery and traditional umbrellas. Tes had to ride in the back of the pickup as there was only room for four passengers in the cab. Nat had a butterfly and flowers painted on her trousers in waterproof acrylic.

The painters are very artistic and produce their work so quickly. Nouie was very interesting and funny. He entertained us with a running commentary of the history of Thailand and kept us amused with his jokes. Mr Robert from the umbrella factory told us that it is lucky not to be a Muslim. This was because the price of pork would be higher if not for them!!!!

Thai life is very chilled. There appear to be few rules of the road so traffic is quite unruly but is not fast so it dosn't feel too dangerous. Lots of mopeds - few helmets. The Chiang Mai night bazaar is a bit weird as there are so many tourists trying to bag the bargin of the week and thus I think the locals have got quite hard to the "farang" (foreigners) - not a good impression.
Thai food is lush! - I have got to do one of those cooking courses.
Thai weather is hot and humid although bearable - in any case there is lots of air-con around.
Slept well tonight.

Sunday ...
Thai Church was great. Christine and Ranulph from Trinity Chelt were their at the start of their 3-month Chinese orientation training. The Patterson's were also their and Ros spoke a great sermon from Jonah.
Just had lunch and think we will be going to the pool in a bit.

I'd love to get some photos on here but need some webspace assitance from Matt.
Sawadi krap,