Back to the Lahu hilltribe

Going back to the Lahu village to continue my studies in Thai massage was like watching a film for the second time - a little more information sunk in. Obviously there were huge differences - a different group and the rainy season added an extra spice. The teacher was also different, the son of the founder, being half German and half Lahu, so I learnt a different perspective which helped me to gain more knowledge.

Check out my back bend!

Cha Choi - our wonderful teacher... the Master!

Woo Ambre you can do it too!

Brain overload... shutdown!

The group was 16 but reduced to 12 by the end - the reasons for leaving the course were a mixture from odd to very valid, this didn't affect the surviving group's spirit and we bonded well. I shared a hut with Richard and Ambre from Reunion Island, such lovely times we had chatting and laughing until late, practising massage and watching the geckos fighting for prime spot around the light. I enjoyed some routine waking to do yoga each morning and drinking the best coffee fresh from the field in the afternoons.

Sombat & I in deep debate of village politics

Freshly roasted coffee... mmm!

James came to visit and took me for a spin on the bike (Kawasaki Ninja)

James stayed in Chiang Mai this time renting himself a great little place equipped with sofa and fridge for his beer! He took the time to learn some Thai and had daily lessons as well as and becoming one with his computer!

Mama Lahu

Nassau busy cooking us dinner...

...us busy queuing up to eat it!

Making a Lahu guitar

Being in the village in wet season was great, we had some torrential downpours, impressive pink lightning and watched the paths turn into rivers in seconds... Yet again I walked away from the 12 days feeling like I'd had an awesome break away from reality, and I now feel a lot more confident to do this style of massage in the future.

These beauties only open at night and are as big as your hand!

The Lahu people believe in protecting themselves from evil spirits by performing a ceremony - we were lucky enough to experience one of these and joined in with dancing around their sacred circle in the sticky mud!

Thank you Sunshine Network and everyone on the course for giving me an incredible experience yet again!

Back to town with my favourite mode of transport - back of a pickup!