Going to the jungle

[Gandalf]

Well, I'm going to do it. I set off on friday so will likely not be back here for 10 days or so. I have my camera ready to take lots of pictures. The good thing is that I will likely stop drinking which Ouma really wants me to do. I don't think there are going to be many pubs up there. All in all I am terrified as I have no idea what I am getting myself into.

So, if I don't return here alive, I want you guys to know that I love you very deeply (in a non gay way obviously). I suppose it's going to be an adventure and I might get to see a monkey or something. But if I get bitten by a snake then I guess I am fucked. I've watched a lot of Austin Stevens but I've never actually handled or confronted a snake. It could be all wrong.

So is it Thailand?

Yes, I'm going to bus up to the North after a night resting in an air conditioned hotel first.

[Gandalf]

This could go horribly wrong though, I can't sleep at the best of times so in the fricking jungle? It has disaster written all over it. I will likely jump ship in two days and be begging for the modern civilised place that is Korea. But I have been bigging this one up for a long time and so it is time for me to either prove up or shut up and so I just booked my ticket and thought to take advantage of my holiday time.

My wife thinks I have lost my mind though. In finally booking my ticket she was like "so you are quite serious". I suppose I must be, I need to do this Jarvis Cocker/Indiana Jones thing. I wil probably never get a chance again. She got her horribly expensive trip to the UK last summer, it's my turn to the jungle, And it's much cheaper too.

[generalbulldog]

Are you sure you know what you're doing? Have you ever been to Thailand? Do you know anything about their culture? Politics? Or any sort of turmoil that might be developing? I think it's important to know about this type of stuff before venturing into countries that are still undeveloped.

I was planning to go to Thailand in '06, but then there was turmoil in that land with a coup d'etat that had taken place, not to mentioned there were certain places in Thailand where the government was fighting Islamic rebel forces that wanted to Islamicize that Buddhist nation in places in the south.

And you really don't sound like the outdoors type from your posts. I hope it all goes well, but I think one should always be as prepared as possible for these types of things, especially camping in the jungles of developing nations. Just my 2 cents.

[Fenster]

How did you arrange this? Is it a group thing? Camping expedition?

You can't literally just wander off into a jungle. You do realise TV shows like Karl Pilkington are meticulously planned, they have guides, medical experts and stuff?

[Gandalf]

Are you sure you know what you're doing? Have you ever been to Thailand? Do you know anything about their culture? Politics? Or any sort of turmoil that might be developing? I think it's important to know about this type of stuff before venturing into countries that are still undeveloped.

I was planning to go to Thailand in '06, but then there was turmoil in that land with a coup d'etat that had taken place, not to mentioned there were certain places in Thailand where the government was fighting Islamic rebel forces that wanted to Islamicize that Buddhist nation in places in the south.

And you really don't sound like the outdoors type from your posts. I hope it all goes well, but I think one should always be as prepared as possible for these types of things, especially camping in the jungles of developing nations. Just my 2 cents.

No, I'm probably a bit weird in doing this. But like I say, I just have to do it. Originally my wife thought this was a good idea, but now she thinks Im mad. I guess I have been mad for a while though. It's all planned though.

[Gandalf]

How did you arrange this? Is it a group thing? Camping expedition?

You can't literally just wander off into a jungle. You do realise TV shows like Karl Pilkington are meticulously planned, they have guides, medical experts and stuff?

I think it is a group thing, a kind of camping expedition.

I'm not just wandering out. It will be controlled, plus I will never eat weird food.

[Fenster]

How did you arrange this? Is it a group thing? Camping expedition?

You can't literally just wander off into a jungle. You do realise TV shows like Karl Pilkington are meticulously planned, they have guides, medical experts and stuff?

I think it is a group thing, a kind of camping expedition.

I'm not just wandering out. It will be controlled, plus I will never eat weird food.

Ahh right. Good.

For a second there I thought you were attempting a Thoreau or even worse a Chris McCandless.

[Gandalf]

No, it's nothing totally random or else I would be in serious trouble. Just a holiday with some planning involved. Just to see if I can adapt to that life or not. If the worst comes to the worst, I can always give up and just retreat to the city.

[VictorCharlie]

Bring a hammock, some strong rope/string and a few bungee cords....should keep you from sleeping on the ground...A good poncho would be good too to keep dry. Foot powder and several changes of socks. Change socks and powder at LEAST daily. Lastly leave the wildlife alone and hope they do the same. Good luck and have fun.

[generalbulldog]

How did you arrange this? Is it a group thing? Camping expedition?

You can't literally just wander off into a jungle. You do realise TV shows like Karl Pilkington are meticulously planned, they have guides, medical experts and stuff?

I think it is a group thing, a kind of camping expedition.

I'm not just wandering out. It will be controlled, plus I will never eat weird food.

TBH, now I'm disappointed. I thought you were going to be the Jeremiah Johnson type.
You know leave behind civilization and live in the wild.

[Andre]

Oh and a mosquito net too Miles.

[generalbulldog]

Be careful of those Southeast Asian tigers.

[X]

Don't listen to all the people here who boycott countries just because idiot journalists make stuff up to sell their crappy papers.


I've been with these people three times now, including during the so called 'revolution'. The place itse;lf is fantastic and relaxing, the people are wonderful and the trekking/rafting etc is first class. Value for money is unbeatable. The last one we did combined rafting, jungle trekking and an overnight stay in a remote Thai village. It was not a fake tourist place and was a great experience.


Highly recommended and I'm happy to give you further info if you like.


Chiang Mai Trekking - Chiang Dao Nest Trekking Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

[Gandalf]

Cheers X. After a night sleeping for 30 minutes I'm at the airport. I have no worries really and have planned well. It will be an enjoyable trip, but first up I need to rest for the weekend as I am really quite shattered right now. Need to build myself up first before I get out there.

[CFH]

You're going to die.