Day 11 - Chaing Mai/Bangkok/Sydney/Newcastle/Home

A van, 2 planes, a bus, 2 train's and a car and I'll be home. I left Chaing Mai at 11.00 flying to Bangkok. This is a complete contrast to a few days ago in the villages. This is quite mad with traffic and people everywhere. A couple of hours wait then on the plane for a 10 hour flight to Sydney. My belly is playing up so I think the Thai water is doing its thing. Train to Hamilton to be picked up by K. Walking in the door at about 1pm or 26 hours later. I'm tired and feel grotty but what an amazing experience. I now have one last assignment to do with Photographers Without Borders.

Day 10 - Chaing Mai - Thailand

Some people needed to leave first thing in the morning so last night we all had dinner together and said some good-byes. Decided to stay an extra day to spend some time on my own exploring some of the city. Having said this, I spent the morning with a guy that I really connected with from Canada who insists that we visit and stay with his family. That night, I caught up with three people from the group and we explored the Chaing Mai markets - The biggest and busiest markets I have ever seen. They just went on for kilometres in every direction. I tried for an early night as I head home tomorrow.

Day 9 - Chaing Mai - Thailand

Trekked for another 4 hours to reach a small village and transportation that would take me to Tham Lod - a 1666 metre deep cave. No electric lighting so had to explore by lantern crossing ricketty bamboo bridges. Onto a bamboo raft pulled by someone through the small and sound of thousands of bats. After three days of trekking through the jungle and hilltribe village life we returned to Chaing Mai. Although very tired, decided to see Thai boxing. Not sure who was the more aggressive fighters the men or women.

Day 8 - Ban Muang Pam - Thailand

Trekked for about 6 hours and covered 16 klms of steep climbs, steeper descents and numerous river crossings. Just before dark we reached the second village where the thought of a cold shower using a pot was like winning lotto. My clothes are absolutely drenched with sweat and despite washing them the best I could, they will never dry in this humidity. My host family were beautiful and spoke a little English. The group met at another family's house for dinner before most opting for an authentic Thai massage. Slept a little better under the Mosquito net.

Day 7 - Ban Pha Mon - Thailand

An amazing day and I can't believe there I can get network here. A four hour drive and we reached the start of the trek.It was pretty hard going with the humidity and heat a killer. On the way up Siri our guide and some of the porters made us bracelets by stripping the bark from branches. Met a group of monks on the trek and one spoke very good English. They agreed I could take their photos and Kitti Kon (the one that could speak English) befriended me in the jungle on Facebook so I could send him images. Now that doesn't happen everyday! Naturally it poured so trekking in a rain jacket was fun in 200% humidity. Finally arrived at the village which is about 100 klms from the Myramar border and met my host family. Despite not speaking a word of English, we got to know each other a little by showing some of my images. As I've said before photography is a powerful thing. The villagers dressed in traditional costume as a welcome to us - something they don't do except once in March. Then performed some dancing which we were invited to join in. Absolutely amazing.

Day 6 - Chiang Mai - Thailand

We're on a Night Train!!! PWB does Thailand is taking us on this train's maiden voyage. Destination: Chiang Mai!

Errived in Chaing Mai around 7.30 with little sleep. After some photo activities visited Doing Suthep - a golden Buddhist temple sitting 300 stairs high. Chanting of the monks was a bonus. There is the annual celebrations for the November new year with parades and lighting of the lanterns. Off now for a 4 hour drive to trek through the jungle for a home stay in a hilltribe village. No power or wifi for next few days.

I have an infected leg so need to keep the bandage on especially once I go up into the hill tribes.

Day 5 - Kanchanaburi- Thailand

Visited a number of temple ruins in Ayutthaya. The heat and humidity is unbelievable. Did some photographic portrait exercises which was great. Off to catch the overnight sleeper at 7pm to Chiang Mai. One of the tuktuks carrying our luggage broke down on the way to catch the train. It arrived repaired but there was some concerns of us making the train. Having a ball.

Day 4 - Kanchanaburi- Thailand

Visited one of the worlds most beautiful waterfalls - Erawan where only a couple of us made it to the top over 1000 metres of hard climbing. I'm telling my knees that every step was worth it but somehow they don't believe me. The humidity is unbelievable so I'm walking around most of the day in a drenched shirt. Then off to see the bridge on the River Kwai.

Day 3 - Kanchanaburi - Thailand

​​​​​Spent some time at Wat Po known for its huge reclining Buddah. Then set off to Chao Phraya River in a long tail boat. From there spent the night on a floating raft house. We were all set a photo assignment where we reviewed and provided feedback on our efforts. I am travelling with six Canadians and a French lady. Went for a night swim which was a wonderful way to cool down. It is so so humid and hot. Having a ball.

Day 2 - Makkasan - Thailand

Huge day. Finally arrived at 3.30 but the queues for immigration and then for a taxi were huge.(see image). Arrived at the hotel at 6pm just in time for the orientation session discussing the ethics of photojournalism which went til 9.30. I'm absolutely buggered.

The day before

I'm getting excited now as it has been just over two years since I was overseas. This time I'm heading to Thailand on a workshop with Photographers Without Borders (PWB) for 10 days. I haven't been to Thailand nor traveled alone before but always good to get out of one's comfort zone.