A Trek with Mr. Salawin

Mae Sariang, our next stop, and what appeared to be an ideal place for a trek into the wild jungle.  Upon our arrival we enlisted Mr. Salawin to guide us on a 2 day, 1-night expedition to visit authentic Karen hill tribes.   Below we see the Salawin river, separating Thailand from Myanmar.   

Unfortunately, our trip began with a unexpected ride in the back of a truck filled with beer and live chickens. Not exactly what we paid for...

Our trekking companions: two french women by the names of Emilie and Amandine.  Mr Salawin to the right.

At the first  village before the trek began, we found dogs, chickens, and pigs roaming.  Here Kaitlin befriends a young pup.  

Many of the local women were dressed in traditional garb.  The children who lacked "potty training" were left to run around in nothing but a shirt, as diapers were not the custom.  Who wants to deal with that shit?

Upon arrival in the Bouleh, the village that we would stay in, Mr. Salawin wandered off for a smoke as he encouraged us to take a look around.  In fact, we had no idea that we would stay here!  Fortunately, the locals proved to be more than friendly, and we were soon confronted by an individual who (through his hilarious and broken english) introduced himself as Song.  With the help of the local english teacher, Chai, we made our introductions and got a tour of the village schoolhouse.

 We patiently awaited dinner as we watched the resident family prepare a meal.  Here a chicken is held above the fire, to burn off the plummage remains.  While we waited for the cooking to finish, Song invited us over to drink beer and rice liquor with his crew.  

A sunset atop the high mountain village

 Song (in bright blue pants), ever enjoying our company, joined us for dinner.

"Freestyle!"

Needless to say, the hill tribe experience was a lot of fun, particularly on account of our outgoing friend who bridged the cultural gap for the sake of friendship and a good time.

In the morning, per Chai's advise, we caught the stunning views of the cloud sea below the village.  

Breakfast was sticky rice -- more like rice in the form of a pizza dough.  The little boy pictured here rolled his about in the dirt several times before resuming his meal.  Yum!

Time for some trekkin'

Phew! We finally arrive at the river where the boat should await us for the return trip.  Wait...where is the boat?

We waited for an hour or so for the boat, hungry and hot, and very angry at our guide, until the arrival of the boat (which was waiting at the wrong stop) brought a smile to our faces.  

Our last night in Mae Sariang proved to be a fine one, as we received a discounted rate at the Goodview Guesthouse, courtesy of Mr. Salawin himself.  Okay, he was not the greatest guide, but the experience was unforgettable.  Below, evidence that the guesthouse is aptly named.