When I was younger, my parents used to make my sister and I go on long hikes through the woods every Sunday. We honestly hated it, but I was so ridiculously grateful for it after surviving a 15-mile trek through the jungle to a small village on the Thailand-Burma border. We were accompanied by a stray dog that we named Baxter, and he impressed us with his innate trekking abilities as we crossed rivers and climbed up the steepest hills I have ever seen. That night, the group played handgames and soccer with the local children and a well-deserved dinner cooked on top of a fire by the village people. Regardless of the exhausting trek, it was all very rewarding in the end to get to see the quaint village and meet the lovely people. After our trek, the group and I spent two nights in a city called Pai. If there was a Portland in Thailand, it would be Pai. I don't think I've ever seen as many dread locks and nose piercings in my entire life as I have after two days of staying in Pai. On our independent exploration day, I got to take a songtao (Thai taxi) to the Tha Pai Hot Springs. The naturally-occurring hot springs ranged from 31 degrees Celsius all the way up to 100 degrees Celsius. Upon walking along the trail, Victoria and I witnessed a man stick a large plastic bag filled with eggs into the hot springs. Further up the trail, we found a sign that said "no boil egg". Apparently, if you put anything from your finger to a coin into the top of the hot springs, it can taint the naturally pure water.Later that day, the entire group went out to a fancy dinner at a tapas restaurant in Pai. We're all broke now, but the amazing food was well worth it. After dinner, we ventured into a dark alley with bright lights and ended up in a tranquil bar on the other side. This bar was chock full of hippies, and also included a little store that sold handmade jewelry. We all enjoyed live music and excellent covers of Johnny Cash. Two days in Pai was definitely not enough, and I think it would be the perfect place to retire one day.
-Adrianna
What a wonderful story! I'm all choked up reading this, Adrianna and so happy that you and Victoria are enjoying your time in Thailand. Victoria is my daughter and she is having the time of her life over there. I am so happy that we were able to send her on this trip. I believe that this will be a life changing experience for all of you. Thank you, Pacific Discovery for following your dreams to create this amazing company that provides these wonderful adventures for so many young adults.