elephant snot is gross

The trek in Chang Mai was good. Not great, not bad, just good. I am spoiled after the incredible 3 days we had hiking in Laos that I don't think anything will ever compare. A hike with no zip lines is a lame hike in my book now. We did ride elephants. Not as much fun as I envisioned, but I'm glad I did it nonetheless. They are uncomfortable to ride, very slow, and fairly scary. I was sneezed on a bunch of times as well, and frankly I don't need elephant snot in my life.

The hike itself was much more difficult than the one in Laos. It was very steep and very hot. It was only about 3 hours, (only about 2 1/2 of actually walking) but the last hour was straight up and exhausting. We stayed in a village in a hut where all our mattress pads on the floor were lined up one after the other. At night one of the local guys came around with a guitar and played us some local songs as well as some goodies like "hey Jude" and "hotel California".

Last night we met up with a few people from the trek at a bar called "roof top bar". It was a really great night, although my shoes were stolen. Most places in Asia you must take your shoes off at the door. This is the case for a guesthouse, restaurant, Internet cafe, bar, etc. Last night I was leaving the bar, and my shoes were gone. My favorite manky flip flops with my imprinted feet on them. I am ashamed to say that I took someone else's to walk home in. Same brand, same size, different color. I will say to my credit that my friend walked up to the bar with the flip flops in hand and asked if they belonged to anyone, no one responded so we think (or at least told ourselves) that the person must have taken mine by accident.

Today we took the worst bus ride in history to Pai. It was only 4 hours from Chang Mai but it was the most winding, hilly, road I have ever been on. Several people on the bus had to get out and throw up from car sickness. I was on the verge, but luckily enough I was able to muster through the ride with not puking. Pai is a little hippie town filled with art, music, cafes and great restaurants. Should be a peaceful few days. I think another massage may be in order here.