If heaven exists, I think I found it

One of the last sessions of our Bangkok orientation was on places to go and things to do in Thailand. Phil and Thom listed and showed us pictures of places throughout the country and I fell in love Phu Chi Fa. As soon as I saw the picture, I was hooked like Bubs on heroine. I said to whoever I was sitting next to, "I am going there." Sure enough, I went. I planned the trip out with my buddies Andrew and Erin and we made it happen. We even had more people join us for the festivities. 

I left from Phetchaburi at 3:30pm, got to Bangkok around 6 or so and from there we left at 7:30. It took about 10 hours to get to Chiang Rai, where we met up with a few fellow OEGers. Most of my time on the bus was spent sleeping awkwardly between two people who felt comfortable enough to snore in my ear and pass gas. I didn't mind the snoring all that much because I was able to drown it out with my Ipod, but farting? Come on, dude. "Mai ben rai" doesn't cover your ass on this.

Anyway, after breakfast, we took a bus to Wat Rong Khun. Beautiful place--white and modern with a dark twist. check it out...

 

I wonder if these were modeled after real dudes...

We bussed it to the Wat and didn't really want to wait around until the next bus decided it wanted to come around (city buses are hardly ever on schedule). You haven't experienced Thailand unless you hitchhike in the bed of a truck. We've experienced Thailand at least four times that weekend. Everywhere I go, I see families of five or more packed in the bed of the truck, I guess it was bound to happen to us sooner or later. I did lose my sunglasses though. It flew off my face mid ride...bummer.

We stayed at the Lazy Moon Homestay and I really couldn't have asked for anything better. Lazy Moon is in Thoeng, which is about an hour and a half away from Chiang Rai and much closer to Phu Chi Fa. We figured that the closer we stay to Phu Chi Fa, the later we'd be able to wake up (if you can even call 3:45 am late). The owners of the homestay were so generous and helpful; they set up our transportation to and from Phu Chi Fa and had breakfast waiting for us when we returned. This place was exactly how I pictured Thailand to be: in a rural, very green area, calming and carefree. Anyway, we woke up for an early morning hike (or more like 10 minute speed walk up a slight incline, it really wasn't a hike and definitely no Runyon Canyon) to the top of Phu Chi Fa to see the sun rise over Laos. If heaven exists, I think I found it...

The Phu Chi Fa Crew: Erin, Allison, Brandon, and Andrew

The best thing about making it to Phu Chi Fa wasn't so much the view but a personal accomplishment. The view was gorgeous and the fact that we were looking out into Laos was mind boggling but I was standing on top of the mountain smiling to myself because I made this happen. I couldn't believe I was there. I said I was going to go and I went. I did it. I did it! First Thailand and now Phu Chi Fa. It was relatively easy too.

 

Cheers to taking charge & making things happen!

Yes you can.