Berry's SEAJ trip Day 36: Riding back to Mai (7/11/15)

In the morning, we opted to head back to Mai as Steph leaves the following day and didn't want to be having to drive back the same day she has to catch a train back to BK. The way back is not as bad as the way there (wasn't raining, and the uphill part was easier then the downhill) but still would have been better on a manual bike.

Berry wanted one last view of the area before we head back to Mai.

Some bocce or something being played at one of the B&Bs on the main road. 

Berry checking out the huge colorful dragons lining the bridge.

Then Berry checked out the statues in the area. 

Panoramic view of the statue area (not sure what it was for but the statues were cool).

On the road back to Mai. Couldnt take pictures on the way to Pai as it was cold/rainy and we just wanted to get there. Today was sunny and hot so pictures galore.

Did I mention the road was windy?

In case I didnt, this sign is here to remind us.

The ever winding road was definitely interesting to be riding those little scooters on.

Every now and again, the tree line would break and there would be a decent view.

Had to stop to take this one in.

I was contemplating learning how to drift here, but Steph wouldnt let me.

Me and my road beast as I try and get hydrated. The travel days in and out of Pai couldnt have been more opposite.

Stopped and ate a decent lunch as we were heading back before eventually getting back to the main highway and making our way to our hostel (Capsule Hostel South gate). Unfortunately, it is Saturday and our hostel is on the road where the Saturday Night Market is so we have to park a ways away, trying to navigate the back alley system until we find a spot that I think might be close, and then navigate the market to find the hostel. After we check in, we walk to our old hostel to get our bags and chat with the owner a bit before getting all our stuff to our current hostel. After we settle in, we go outside to explore the night market; all the night markets are essentially the same with lots of vendors selling food, drinks, art, trinkets, etc. in a closed off area where it becomes a people walking street for the night. After eating some street food, we go get foot massages on one of the off shoots from the main market street after grabbing a beer to have while we get the massages. Nothing is better than a massage and a beer :) After the massage, we grab some more beer and walk around town enjoying the nice night before we head back and redistribute our individual items before bed.

Traffic going every which way. We have to go through that.

Had to park down this alleyway as traffic was blocked to get to our hostel due to the night market.

Berry and I getting a foot massage at the night market. As you can see, we are not alone. 

Capsule hostel. everyone has their drapes. 

Berry's SEAJ trip Day 35: Exploring Pai (7/10/15)

After sleeping in a little, we decide to go explore around Pai. After breakfast we get on the scooter and head to the canyon. Not an impressive canyon, but cool destination to walk around a bit with some good views of the surrounding area. Checked out the nearby memorial bridge, which wasn't anything too special but again, had some good views going up the river; this whole area is extremely green and beautiful. After that, we head to the waterfall nearby the turnoff for the canyon. We swim around a bit in the nice, cool water and enjoy that before going to the land-split farm.

Little panoramic view of the Pai canyon. Time of us to take a hike.

Berry taking the grand canyon of Pai.

Another view in the canyon of Pai. 

Steph wants to go down that way. My fear of heights prevents me from walking down narrow paths like that so  I go down another path.

View down the path Steph wanted to go down. Now you understand better my objection.

This is me trying to be brave. Not for long hahaha

Steph on the edge of the world. Cool place.

Walking across the Ta Pai bridge - built back around WWII. 

Berry likes the view from the bridge back towards the city.

A little part of the history of the bridge.

Making our way to the first waterfall for the day. Pambo Waterfall.

Berry and I swimming around in waterfall. 

Steph photobombed Berry's pic of the waterfall. 

Berry made all those people leave so we could have the water all to ourselves. Nice private bath.

Just swimming around in the refreshing waters. Those people are scared to be near me. Rightfully so :)

Saw this sign on the way out. Glad to see people respect the city's signs. :(

This guy's land naturally has been splitting for the past 7 years or so; you are able to look at the splitting land and then he prepares you an assortment of foods and drinks all for a donation. One of the main crops he grows is Hibiscus (Rozelle) and has the fruit, tea, and even liquor made from Rozelle, all of which are great. Being in the area, I highly recommend everyone to go as the guy is incredibly friendly and the food is natural, fresh and very tasty.

Sporting the sexiest helmets of all time. Oh yeah!

Land Split. This guy's farm had the land split about 15-20 years ago and is slowly creeping farther apart every day.

Down the chasm, a new jungle grows. Kinda cool.

Berry no dont go down there, it isnt safe. 

Steph doing her best impression of a dancing tree. :)

Instructions on how to make a tree dance. Useful, Useful indeed.

We found the dancing tree and had a midday rager. 

After exploring the grounds, we ate and drank produce from the farm. Looks delicious? yeah it was.

Berry and Steph drank all the rozelle wine. Hope they liked it.That dog definitely looks jealous of the food in front of Steph.

Inside of the roof we were under. Shelter comes in many forms.

Some hardwood hammocks, I wonder if they are comfortable?

No not at all but Berry wanted to try em out so we did.

Sign pointing us in the right direction to see what is special about this land.

Guy who runs the farm with all his goodies. They dont charge for the food. You come and eat and drink and leave whatever you can/want. If you want to buy the jam you have to buy them. 

Beehive or wasp nest or something that was near the car. Massive!

After eating, we head up to a different waterfall in the NW corner of the city where you get to slide on the rocks into the pools of water which was a lot of fun. We head out a little earlier than expected as it looked like a storm was heading our way and we didn't want to be caught out in it.

Main road had all kinds of signs posted for the various B&Bs and what not. 

Some sights from the ride around town to the different waterfalls.

Our shadows are staying with us quite well. And yes that is us driving on the left side of the road. 

Odd city indeed.

Wooden giraffes. I think this is where the creator of Lion King found their inspiration.

Out on the open road.

Beautiful day to be out in the countryside looking for water falls. 

Now sure this place really knows how to advertise. If you look, it is a sign for a guesthouse/restaurant/cooking school with a guy throwing up.  Not sure what it says but that wouldnt be a sign I would advise making.

Slip and slide waterfall. We started at the bottom and worked our way up. Berry can't wait to get in the water.

Storms are a brewing. 

Berry found a small waterfall at the top of the slide waterfall

I wonder if Buffalo Bayou needs a male model for their beer. I know 1 guy who could do it justice. :)

Steph is ready to take the plunge.

In she goes!

Time to go down the slide into the pool. Berry can't wait.

I might as well be wearing camouflage :) hahaha goofy looking mofo there. 

Sun setting as we ride our way back to our hostel for another round walking around the main area at night.

Light meets dark.

Car vs. scooter chicken. I never loose.

We get back and after dropping our bags in the room, we head to find some food. As we are walking around, I forget the conversation, but I said “squirrel” referencing Up and Steph looks over trying to see the squirrel asking “where is it?”. It worked! After eating, we bounce around to some bars which all seem to have live music, before going to a bar down a long narrow alley which had a very psychedelic feel to it and a shirtless old man walking around with fluorescent paint all over his body and face. After our drinks there, we head back to the hostel to get ready for the trip back to CM tomorrow.

Getting back to the hostel through these "busy" streets. 

Berry is glad to be back home after a long day of exploring Pai.

Met a little girl at the restaurant we had dinner at who also had a stuffed bear friend. Stuffed bears are friends for all, big and small.