December in Chiang Mai

Hello!!

I've spent the last few weeks just being here in Chiang Mai. The lifestyle here is great!
I've been out with the CM hiking club quite a few weeks now, walking up to waterfalls, viewpoints or round lakes. Its really nice as you get to see a bit more than i would doing tourist trails. I also visited the some of the hot springs last week, very sulphury though!

Last week i met up with Nhoi who was the tour guide when i came to thailand last time. It was really great to see him.

I've been volunteering usually 3 mornings a week at the orphanage. Its still great fun, especially washing time with room 2. They recognise me now so from when i arrive until i leave i have my hands full! If i sit down there's usually a minimum of 4 wanting to sit on my knee, legs, shoulders...! Then i go to room 1 with the younger ones.

On friday 4 new babies arrived, they're currently in a separate room from the rest, i think for infection control. I got to meet 3 of them yesterday. One is only 4 months old and with this beautiful baby girl sat on my knee beaming away, it was by far the most emotional its been just feeling so overwhelmed by sadness for this poor innocent baby girl. I can't even comprehend how this gorgeous being has been abandoned.

On saturday i went with another english volunteer to an orphanage in a local village. The children here have been brought down from the hilltribes, some are orphans but a lot have been abandoned. The children here are all school age and some speak really good english. they were a joy to meet, full of high energy and laughter. We went and bought them ice-creams from the local shop - I think the owner thought she'd won the lottery as we cleared the entire cornetto collection! the children were so grateful as well.

Next week i will leaving CM and heading back to Bangkok to Pakkred where the main orphanages are. My train is booked, normally it takes about 14 hours but i've heard reports of 20 hours, so i'm preparing for a long journey! for 12 pounds including my bed for the night i'm not complaining!

I imagine its very christmassy at home!! I really can't imagine it, they are a few christmas trees but they all look a bit malnorished! It is "cold season" here and the weather reports always show a picture of someone wearing a scarf for this area - this has not been my experience!! although i am now using my thin bed spread at night, when it does get a little cooler - however i am only sleeping in vest and shorts with the window open!

So now its later afternoon, i'm going to a friend's for dinner later but first time for a coconut!

There are now some pictures on my facebook too.

Sending you all lots of sunshine from Chiang Mai xxxxxxxxxxxxxx