It all started in Bangkok…

Bangkok is bright and busy, which makes sense, it’s one of the largest cities in the world. After spending a day in the eight-story mall, Mahboonkrong (MBK for short), I boarded a sleeper train and headed North to Chang Mai. The sleeper train was comfortable, possibly biased because I love trains, but also because I came prepared with a silk sleeper sheet: bugproof and soft. I was pumped to be in the motion of freedom with no job, no one to report to, and no plan. I was free, open, and receptive to whatever came next.

Chaing Mai is in Northern Thailand and consists of a huge, geographical square, glittered with jade and gold. This is where you will find Temples, Sak Yant Tattoos, and street food, including fresh fruit smoothies.

Thailand softens as you move North, the pace slows down and breath comes easily. I had the honor of experiencing the ancient ritual of receiving a Sak Yant and afterward spent time at a temple across the street; meditating, beside monks, dressed in orange robes. One day, while I was sharing a fresh juice and smoothie bowl with friends at Free Bird Cafe, a local vegan spot. Meditation came up and it was recommended that I check out Pae Pae Meditation Retreat, a couple hours north. I was new to meditation and in search of mental clarity to heal the wounds of this life and the ones before it, so I decided to go. It would take three hours to get to Pa Pae. I left a couple of days later on a bus. The retreat was taken in silence for half of the day and the rest of the time was spent with the resident monk in lecture and meditation. We also had the privilege of visiting a local school and furthering our education in coffee production. Sleep was minimal and taken on a foldable mattress, in a bamboo hut. The monk explained that the mat is basic because it limits the desire to spend time there. The days began in darkness, at the fire pit, in meditation. After meditation, when we opened our eyes, the sun had risen and breakfast was ready. We ate two meals a day and drank lemongrass tea to ward off mosquitos. The last day was spent meditating on boulders, around a free-flowing stream. Due to the Buddhist culture of Thailand and the lack of public transport, it was recommended that I hitchhike to a town up north, called Pai. The SUV smelled of downy and we listened to Ed Sheeran for 90 minutes. When I went to pay for the kind act, it was not accepted. See, in Buddhist culture, there is a belief in karma, intentional thought and action come back in one form or another. They were planting seeds for a prosperous future. Think of it as a karmic retirement plan that will last into your next lifetime.

Pai is a gem. Everyone walks around, busted from crashing scooters, eating delicious mango sticky rice and bargaining drug rugs. Pai is a place to explore waterfalls and play with elephants*. If I were to go back, I would spend more time here. My heart was calling to be by the ocean for Christmas though, so I flew South, to Krabbi.

Krabi lead to Railay Beach and bioluminescence. Railay’s boulders looked like rocks sitting on the water. Princess cave was here, a swim-through cave, where time was spent meditating. After the beach, I hopped on a bus back to Bangkok to continue the journey to the next stop: Nepal.

*Be mindful of who you support in regards to playing with elephants. Many times elephant rides use rods to electrocute the elephants into performing. Elephant sanctuaries were created to rescue them and you can spend a day there.

Meditation with the Monks of Pa Pae

What to bring to Both

• Money Belt

• Sunglasses

• SPF

• Hat

• Sleeper Sheet

• Journal