Life in Pai...Organic Gardens...Monks on Mopeds

I had no idea how stressed out I was until I got to Pai. It's a small town about 3 and a half hours northeast of Chiang Mai. People that have been there for years complain that it isn't like it used to be (where there was once 2 Internet cafes...there are now 12), but compared to life in Chiang Mai, Pai is all about the mellow.

The ride up was beautiful.

About a half hour into the trip there was a definitive drop in temperature (into the 60's) and the pollution disolved down to almost nothing (barring getting stuck behind some old trucks spitting out black exhaust). The road is a curvey one with incredible views, tucked away temples, waterfalls and the occasional meandering cow.

I have a 125cc motorbike which proved to be enough to get me up the steeper grades, but the lack of suspension took its tole on my recently opened lower back (the hotsprings would later reverse that). I stopped a couple times along the way to take in the view...have some coffee and rest the ars. Yes Mom, I was wearing a helmet...well...most of the time.

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It was dark when I arrived and that first night I landed at a guest house that was more hut than house. I dumped my stuff off and went back into town to grab some food. Synchronicities being seemingly unending in Thailand, as I was stopped at a stoplight (one of the two in town) I heard someone calling my name. It was Billy, a friend from Pichest's (and yoga instructor in Iceland), he was up in Pai on a yoga retreat and was on his way to meet a group (more friends from Pichest's) for dinner. Within moments I was sitting down to eat with them feeling warm and at home. It was great to reconnect and we all ended up having a couple really nice nights out in town.

When I woke up in the morning I had a much better sense of my surroundings...when I said hut, I meant hut...









On the advice of James (pictured above with the goatee...by the way that is Ice Cream in those martini glasses...the french shop owner has been making it homemade for 13 years and it tastes like it) I decided to move guesthouses. His advice was spot on as the move was the turning point in my week...it was when I transitioned from relaxed to super-restoritive-ultra-hyper-relaxed. Rather than any big description of the place I will just let the pictures offer up their story...



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I will say this about the place... aside from having hammocks, an outdoor library, running fountains, a firepit (Run (the owner) lights fires every morning and evening), really comfortable rooms, and lush surroundings...Run and his wife also grow organic fruit and vegetables which they use to prepare the meals. The food was incredible...







I took several trips out to the hotspings over the course of the next few days. They are located about 7km out of town and the drive alone was incredible. Unfortunately I never got any pictures of the hotsprings. I guess some things are better left to memory alone. But I won't soon forget sitting in the shadows of the full moon soaking in 120 degree water in the cool moist Pai mountain air. I did get some nice shots on my rides back and forth....hence the Monk (well Monk in training anyway) on a Motorbike...









Back at Pichest's this week...It has already been a great couple of days there...the work is continuining to feel more integrated and easeful. Much much love to everyone and thanks again for all the support. I can't wait to get back but I could stay here forever. ; )

Kevin