Travel Journal:

Thailand in December - Peace by the River and in the Forests


Peace by the River and in the Forests December 15th
 
~ 9:30am



   Last night we slept by a waterfall in little grass-hut bungalos. Sounds romantic, but it was still so cold and the blankets we were given were no less than frightening with their smells and strange dark stains... We slept between the ones Abe deemed least smelly...

   I feel my body weakening being constantly under such extreme temperatures - always either too hot or too cold. And we did lots of hiking yesterday.. But the calmness of the this place healing too. In this "village" the only source of running water is the river. They wash all our dishes there, bathe there, everything. I washed my face in it this morning...

   I felt peace yesterday when hiking through the forest... it is mindful of the forests in Poland. Or maybe it is just that these two experience are similar - big groups of folks new to each other tromping through large old forests with very magical qualities about them. Our guide said these hill tribes believe in animism - spirits in the rocks and trees and rivers and such. How can anyone not in such a place?

   It is so wonderful to feel that peace - that deep peace, like being close to god. I am so grateful that I can be here... unlike this summer, where my spirit could never really be any of the incredible places my body was. Now I think of other things - at "home", and they are interesting to ponder, but I am not there, I am here. It is odd I do not even know to where exactly, or what sort of existence I will be returning.

   I must go now, we are leaving - elephant rides and bamboo river rafting today!

 
Map and Photos for Thailand in December
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San Francisco Journal : Thailand in December - Peace by the River and in the Forests Travel Photos
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