Northern Thailand

(see map) - trin: We arrived in Chiang Mai with the intention of continuing the watathon and attending a Thai cooking class. Followed up with river rafting and trekking in the hill tribe area to the northwest. Plans changed when I was run over by a motor scooter while walking on the sidewalk.

Top Five Reasons Why Being Run Over by a Motor Scooter in Thailand Sucks:

5. Your ankle disappears and your foot looks like a fat sausage.

4. Your favorite pair of pants (one of three) now has a tire mark up the back leg.

3. The man who hit you feels very bad but lacks the English to communicate it. And, you lack the Thai to say "it's ok. it was an accident." In the end, you avoid walking by his restaurant to avoid the embarrassed offers of free food and drinks.

2. You have to cancel all your plans involving shoes or water while you hobble around like and old lady and wait to heal.

1. You jump every time a motor scooter comes near you. This is not a good frame of mind to be in when visiting So. East Asia where everyone (men, women, school children, grandmas) drives a motor scooters.

On the positive side, the injuries were not super serious. Just some scrapes, swelling and bruising. While the accident was the main event (I won't say highlight), we did manage to do a few things while I recovered.

Like, checking out some Thai cover bands.

This group specialized in Simon and Garfunkle tunes. When you hear Homeward Bound after being hit by a motor scooter in Thailand, it pulls at your heart strings.

Riding around Chiang Mai in tuk-tuks.

Attending class at the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School . The instructor and owner, Sompon Nabnian has a Thai cooking show on the BBC.

The hands on portion was similar to Senior Home Ec. Instead of ravioli, we made Tum Yum, Fish Cakes and Coconut Curry. Lots of peppers!

Attending a Monk Chat at the Wat Suan Dok. We asked the monks questions about their daily lives and Buddhism and in turn they asked questions back. Mike was caught off guard when one serious young monk asked "Why do you love your wife?"

Trying the local dish, Khao Sawy.

Joining in a traditional dance performance. Mike isn't Walking Like an Egyptian. He was actually one of the better volunteers.

Traveling to small towns of Mae Hong Son and Pai.

Jong Kham Lake and Wat Jong Klang in Mae Hong Son, the capital of the far northwest province. It also a starting point for trekkers who wish to visit the hill tribes.

Hiring a taxi to take us around to the easily accessible sites.

Mae Hong Son and its airport below in the distance.

Back in Chiang Mai: Visiting the Wat U Mong, a forest temple and retreat for the monks.

Laundry day at the temple.

Taking afternoon tea at The Chedi.

With rooms starting at 11,440 Baht a night, the hotel was out of backpacker price range. Having tea was the perfect way to enjoy the hotel for an afternoon.