Life in Pai

After months of moving from one city to the next, catching buses and trains at all odd hours of the day and night, unpacking my backpack just enough to find the most accessible sweater or skirt, I settled into Pai for a full week and fell in love with this sleepy town. I enjoyed the atmosphere - relaxed, earthy, eclectic, artistic, and the friendliest people you will meet anywhere - locals and travelers alike! I could not contain my contentment and walked down the street, day after day, with a huge smile on my face.

Prominently displayed on t-shirts and signs is the phrase - Do Nothing in Pai. And that's the truth! My days were spent sipping smoothies and iced coffee, curled up in a hammock with a good book in hand, sun-bathing next to the river, enjoying Thai and foot massages, eating delicious curry dishes with pumpkin spring rolls, and wandering the night market with new friends.

I also had the opportunity to check out a local Jungle Party one evening, just outside of town. Lanterns drifted into the sky, advertising the celebration. With reggae music pumping in the background, the crowd shifted to form a circle as a few locals took the stage and lit up the night with fire dancing!

Pai also celebrated their 100 year anniversary this week! A thousand monks from Bangkok travelled to Pai to celebrate the occasion, pouring into the city to pray and collect alms. Music and chanting filled the air. Monks paraded down the streets as locals offered sweets, water, instant soup, and sticky rice.