Pretty nice here

It feels like an eternity since my last post, but all clear, I'm still alive. To be more precise, I'm actually doing really well and enjoying the last few weeks in Thailand. Since we still love getting around a lot and seeing a lot despite the long time we've been traveling, we've also covered a lot of travel kilometers here in our last country. In order not to drag it out unnecessarily, here is a brief outline of the highlights in each location:

Bangkok:

Of course, if you're in Thailand, you shouldn't miss the capital. As already mentioned in the last post, of course we didn't manage to drink just ONE beer on the famous Khao San Road, but compared to "Hangover" the night was very civilized. No ping pong shows, no illegal activities and no injuries - running. We spent the rest of the time with a lot of culture and looked at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Of course, tuc-tuc rides, boat and walking tours were also not neglected. Even in 3 days you can really see a lot.

Chiang Rai:

We thought for a long time about which route we should choose in Thailand and ultimately decided to fly north again - luckily. The north had a completely different side of Thailand to offer and we visited the famous White and Blue Temple in Chiang Rai. Since we rented a scooter there, we got from A to B easily and were able to enjoy other temples and the hilly and green landscape.

Chiang Mai:

We then took another 4 hour bus to Chiang Mai. Our main goal here was to see elephants. In an elephant sanctuary we were able to get up close and personal with these impressive animals and learn a lot about their way of life. It was nice to see that each elephant always has its own personal, human caregiver and that there is actually 1-on-1 care day and night. Of course, ethnically speaking, such sanctuaries sometimes have a strange aftertaste, but at least during our visit we did not see any coercion, violence, chains or torture. The animals were not forced to perform tricks or abused for riding. Rather, it gave the impression that they were simply living in harmony with the people and the jungle. Of course, you should do some research before visiting. Locals also pointed out to us that donations to such organizations usually end up in the wrong hands. Elephants are sacred in Thailand, which means that even without donations there are enough funds available to take good care of the elephants and their mahouts. Unfortunately, donations often support the dark side of such organizations.

Apart from the elephants, Chiang Mai once again had impressive temples, markets and a few good bars to offer. And as is the case with lucky children, our last planned walking tour was once again a complete success. We would even rate the tour as the best of our entire trip - well done, Nick. We were able to learn so much about Thailand and learned a lot about agriculture, food and actual life at a wholesale market.

Although we were a little annoyed by the officers during a police check on our scooter in Chiang Mai, we ultimately got off lightly and we don't have to be taken out of jail here. We simply completed this driving license mall with a smile and a “different country, different customs” - it happened.

Island hopping:

After the north we went back south to Phuket. From then on it was finally time for sun, sea, beach and just relaxing. We have already taken a few islands with us here, but more on that in the next post.

Basically, Thailand has the absolute dream beaches to offer and is perfectly tailored to tourism. Of course, this makes traveling super easy and comfortable, but of course it also attracts mass tourism and party people. That's why Nadine and I always make sure that we take the hotspots with us, but we also try to do atypical things and, for example, get up at 5 a.m. to be the first at sunrise in the temple, go kayaking in the desert Bays or islands that are not so well known. It's the mixture that counts. It's hard to believe that the whole thing will actually be over in a few days. The next post will actually be the last. In a week we'll be on the plane, this time heading home without continuing. And honestly? This feeling gives me a whole lump in my stomach. Even though I'm of course looking forward to all the hugs with my loved ones and especially the stinky ones.

Well, that's the problem of future Tanja. Unfortunately, I have to let the sun continue to shine on my stomach.

Ciao cocoa

PS: Did you know that disgusting animals become almost cute when you give them names? Karl the cockroach, Fredericke the rat, Hans Peter the Komodo dragon or Fred the lizard - it's love and hate at the same time.