Slept like a log in my lodge at Cave Lodge 
Cold shower (hot water winter months only!), then up the steep path to the main building 
for an excellent breakfast.
Cave Lodge is in Tham Lod Village, a Shan or Tai Yai community.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shan_people
I get to meet some of the people who live in the village. 
This is a glorious place to live, the forest environment and views are stunning. 
I look around a family house which looks very comfortable and surprisingly large. This one under construction gives some idea of the size.
Back on the main road, we stop at a view-point to admire the expansive panorama of forest and mountains. I buy some interesting man-bags for Leon and Harry, and say hello to the lady stall-holder’s baby.
Next a long drive to just beyond Mae Hong Son town, where we climb into our boat for a journey down-river to a very special and remote village. 
This Shan village is home to the long neck ladies. From a young age, they gradually add rings to extend their neck.
I buy wrist bands for Jo and Faye, the lady holds them up for me to take a picture
The village school has a classroom specially for displaced children from Burma/Myanmar. We are very near the border here. 
On the way back up river, we pass a wild elephant having a bath. 
Now we are in the Minibus for the long journey back to Chiang Mai. The traditional restaurant we stop at, for lunch, is slightly compromised by it’s Mickey Mouse tablecloths. 
After six hours sitting in the Minibus, the evening walk around Chiang Mai Sunday Market and Tha Phae Gate food stalls is welcome exercise.
BFN, All the Best, John
No comments:
Post a Comment