Thriving in the "New City"...

The last few days have been a bit strange. We are staying with friends rather than guesthouses, so that backpacker routine and vibe has seperated from us some, permitting us to feel closer to the locals. We've had the opportunity to hang in local areas rather than tourists divisions, so much. Since we have only been traveling for a short time it feels like we live here somehow all of a sudden. My friend Josh helps me with my Thai each day - yet it is such a hard language. They call it survival Thai here - that's what many farengs' depend on. That's foriegner in thai. Survival thai is being able to say basic things; such as, hello or thank you, how to ask directions or the price of something, how to bargain without getting ripped off or order something to eat. I'm trying everyday to learn a couple sayings in thai. The locals love it when farengs' make attempts to learn or practice thai. You have to be bold because most the time everyone is laughing when you do this. They are laughing with you though, not at you - It's a tonal language so in thai there are 5 tonal levels and if not carried out correctly you may say something completely different from what's intended. Last evening we went out for a little while to an area refered to as reggae row - there were many small bars in one block with live music competing in the streets. A great thai-reggae group played in the coolest little bar. Everyone was getting down - no matter the skin color. We began playing it cool on the outskirts, but that didn't last long. This roots thai rocker came directly over to Oriana, Danielle and I inviting us to join him closer to the stage. His name is "T". Talk about feeling welcome - he had a bottle of tequila and without hesitation poured us all shots. He preceded to make clear the bottle was for us if we'd like. We danced on beat with no distractions aside from "T' often dancing our way to pour another shot for the group. Tomorrow Oriana are going white-water kayaking through the jungle on a day trip. Wednesday we depart with a few other guys to the Nan province northeast from Chiang Mai for a multiple day trip. We will be gone for 5 days - on the river for three. The Nan province is the least explored by fareng for they did not allow tourism until the past couple years. Our trip is booked with new siam adventures. The owner is a super cool, experienced kayaker and has handled everything very professionally and friendly. It will be the three of us kayaking, two of his guides in rafts and a couple from britian on their honeymoon. Anyone interested can check out Jason's company at www.siamrivers.com. It is the most credible and professional white-water company in Thailand. Well, I've probably said too much already so I best be heading out. much love ya'll... chok dii. (cheers)