From Backpacker to Flashpacker (EN)

The trip from Kanchanaburi to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok) was a real breeze. We're less and less backpackers and more and more becoming flashpackers. But who said one has to suffer whilst traveling on holiday? So off we went by taxi to Bangkok, and by night train to Chiang Mai. First class. Only two berths to a hut. With 'room' 'service' (beer was served warm, breakfast fried eggs cold). Waiting at the Bangkok station was quite enjoyable too. At 6 sharp we were treated to the national anthem, and everyone in the hall, neatly seated facing several portraits of the king, rose to the occation for about a minute or so. And that on our queens' birthday! I guess had they known all verses to the Wilhelmus, they would have played that for her!

Around 10 pm they come change your seats into beds, which are comfortable and even long enough to fit all of Peter in. A big plus. We traveled on the Special Express train. It is special because it has a delay of only about 2 to 3 hours, where the express bit comes from we are not entirely sure. The journey was nice though and the scenery gets better and better the further north you go. Our car was the last one and standing on the end 'balcony' of the train I watched the landscape roll from underneath us. Every now and then a pack of manky dogs would follow the train – speed is not part of the deal with an 'express' train in Thailand.

On the train we'd already decided which quest house we would head for once in Chiang Mai, but some tout got to us (ok, got to me) and we swiftly changed plans and got on the free mini-truck to the SK House II, which isn't in the Planet, but does have a pool. I'm easily persuaded... Our room is huge again, if a tad plain, but for 700 baht one can't complain. Besides, it soon turned out most other places were full in any case. That's the downside of the Planet. Anything in it is usually full!

After a stroll through town and lunch at some little place that most resembles a workplace for the mentally disabled (food was good though) I did 82 laps in the tiny pool, not much of an accomplishment, but still a nice way to try and swim off the Padthai (fried noodles) and banana pancake.
Tuesday's sorted with a one day cooking course at Baan Thai. We should be able to serve you all a nice Thai meal should you come to visit us!
Time to figure out what to do wednesday and thursday. Let's check out the (half)day-trips!

Now quickly go and get some repellent before I am eaten alive.