Before the sun arose over the mountain top horizon in the far distance, the Pagodas were awake and preparing for an intense, sweaty Muay Thai Boxing class. For us, it was an energetic class, but as we learnt – for the instructors and fighters a way of life. In the ring, on the mats, and by the bags – hard working fighters were training and enjoying a cool, rainy morning beating the bags and training with each other. Certainly within our own group many unexpected boxers revealed their true colours, by doing power kicks, fast punch combos, and the signature Muay Thai elbow manoeuvres.
After our exhausting Muay Thai session we came back to our hotel for a quick buffet breakfast. After breakfast we set out for our white water rafting adventure. Driving down the dirt road with beautiful elephants alongside us and under the canopy of thick green trees, we drew closer to the white waters as nervous energy passed over the group. With the humid atmosphere sticking our clothes onto us, the fast flowing water came as a relief. The further we travelled down the river the views became more extraordinary and lively, as if the environment was speaking to us. From start to finish, we disembarked the rafts and climbed the stone cut stairs to the greatest and immense view yet. There’s nothing in Australia that resembles the calm, rural Panasonic view. Later in the day we hopped in the pool for a quick, relaxing splash – a more familiar aquatic environment to our group than the rapid, rushing, rocky river.
As the sun set and the streets cooled down, the group was introduced to the aspect of the busy rush of the night markets, the very cultural essence of Thailand. The whole experience of the markets was eye opening and lively as wooden frogs were played, cheap polos shirts were sold, and fish nibbled at the feet of a few of us. Existing prices were soon changed with competitive negotiation to more affordable items. Through bargaining a new experience was given, as bargaining is expected in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.
The day was exhausting both physically in the ring and in the rapids, and mentally in the close quarter battlegrounds of the night markets. Despite the exhaustion the day was full of new experiences! Can’t wait for a more comforting and relaxing day tomorrow meeting the indigenous peoples of Northern Thailand provinces.
Bailey E and Claudia V O
