Friday afternoon we journeyed back to Chiang Mai from Mae Hong Song (1864 curves one way)! This is Martin's shirt! It took us five hours to get back to Chiang Mai!! Too bad we couldn't get "frequent 'curve' points?" Get it!? ;o)
While everyone but the driver slept, I listened to my iPod, wrote in my journal and soaked in the scenery - vibrant green colors in the form of trees, corn fields, rice fields and grass. I have to add that some of the rice fields are golden-green in color (absolutely stunning)! 
The hills and mountains were filled with trees and the soft white mist gently blanketed some parts ... the gentle rain did not keep some farmers from selling coconuts on the roadside or others from picking rice in the fields. The vibrant clay-colored dirt reminded me a bit of Arizona ... I chuckled at one point when I saw a sign "Sharp Curve Ahead." I thought to myself - aren't they ALL sharp?!
Passing through villages, I saw students walking or riding mopeds home (four teenagers on ONE moped with no helmets) in identical uniforms! And I can't leave out the cattle that the driver had to stop for in the middle of the road. At another point, there were chickens attemping to cross too and there was an occasional dog just lying over on the side napping, I suppose. We passed a truck transporting pigs too. Incidentally, they eat TONS of pork here. I've become somewhat vegetarian! :o)
With 112 kilometers left to go Nickelback's "If Today Was Your Last Day," was playing on my iPod. The whole song is incredible, especially driving through the hills and curves of northern Thailand. Listen! :o) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maINUv2H8A0 Just want to highlight a few verses ... "Each day is a gift and not a given right. Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind and try to take the path less traveled by." ... And for those who haven't really traveled and to whom I've sent this song to many months ago (you know who you are ;o) "It's never too late to shoot for the stars no matter who you are! So do whatever it takes because you can't rewind a moment in this life." ... "That first step you take is the longest stride." I played it for the next hour and when Manisha woke up, I introduced her to it and Nickelback! :o)
We stopped for coffee on the way back at "Coffee in Love" ... the cutest place ...
