organic farming

after we left ko tao, we went to chiang mai (a city in the north near the burma border) for a few days. it was fun--as soon as we checked in to our guest house, a mini circus arrived. they travel around the world on these giant bicycles doing a music act, juggling, hula-hooping, tight-rope walking... what a riot. they used to be a group of 8, but only 3 were staying with us. we had a great time learning all sorts of crazy things from them and the other eccentric guests. (we seem to meet quite a few of those.) after a few days of walking around and going to night markets and an amazing thai massage, we took a crowded 4-hour bus ride to pai, a fun hippie town northwest of chiang mai.

we're not actually staying in pai, however. we're at this amazing organic farm outside of town. here's the website: http://www.tacomepai.com/, but it doesn't do the place justice. since we arrived about 24 hours ago, it's been great. you cannot believe the bungalows we're staying in, with beautiful views, even from the bathrooms! this morning we took hay from soya plants and spread it over a field for fertilizer... then we all went to the market to buy the food that isn't grown on the farm... then we went swimming in a ground spring-fed lake... then i helped make a bamboo support for a drooping roof... then all of us got a wonderful lesson in thai cooking from sandot (who runs the place) and ate in front of the fire we used to cook. i'm very full as i write this post and mango sticky rice is a new favorite food of mine.

we're in town for a bit of emailing and nightlife before starting over again. but tomorrow will also involve composting, rice harvesting, and surveying land for a new project. and i'm hoping to get a lesson in traditional basket weaving from sondot's mother. wow. i can't believe all this is really happening. i don't think every day will be quite as packed. i'm exhausted already. but we'll only be spending a week here before moving on to laos when our thai visa runs out. i've heard great things about laos, and i'm looking forward to the more relaxed pace of the country after having spent most of our time here in pretty populated areas.

that's all i've got in me tonight... cheers and much love from asia.