Have you ever made fire out of a piece of bamboo and some dried leaves? Of course you need a knife -but no self-respected jungle goer would be in the jungle without a machette would he? Our trek started outside of Soppong about 40 km north of Pai. John and I got to ride shotgun in the pick-up which was a good thing as it was more windy mountain road. We were traveling with 6 other trekkers - 4 from Switzerland and 2 Americans - and another guide, Noum. The hike lead us into the jungle, through bamboo forests and along a river as we gradually climbed up to 1000 meters. Both Noum and Somsak stopped frequently to explain uses for various plants in the jungle - leaves for the roof of a hut, bamboo for cups and spoons, certain trees for medicinal, other plants for food. Essentially the hill tribes can live off the land. At one point we stopped and Noum showed us how to make fire using bamboo and leaves. So if we ever make the Survivor casting call we are ready now!
We eventually made it to the Lahu hilltribe village where we would spend the night. The children instantly made friends and had us swinging them around and lifting them on poles like monkeys in no time.
This village had 18 families and interestingly enough - a few motorbikes, a truck and TV! Out here in what feels like the middle of the jungle there is a satellite dish and they sit in a grass hut, on the floor as there is no furniture, with maybe a woodfire burning in the kitchen portion of the hut for warmth, watching TV! Our whole group is staying in one large hut, but they have asked John and I to join them in the kitchen hut to sleep to provide more room for everyone. Sounds good - warm fire, it is getting a little colder here, but the smoke is a challenge for those of us who live where you practically need a license and permit to smoke.
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This village had 18 families and interestingly enough - a few motorbikes, a truck and TV! Out here in what feels like the middle of the jungle there is a satellite dish and they sit in a grass hut, on the floor as there is no furniture, with maybe a woodfire burning in the kitchen portion of the hut for warmth, watching TV! Our whole group is staying in one large hut, but they have asked John and I to join them in the kitchen hut to sleep to provide more room for everyone. Sounds good - warm fire, it is getting a little colder here, but the smoke is a challenge for those of us who live where you practically need a license and permit to smoke.
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Before a delicious dinner by candlelight the village women come over, dressed in their traditional clothing of black skirts and red jackets to do a dance performance for us. They laugh hysterically while dancing and immediately pull us into their dance circle.
We enjoy the company of our other trekkers - one of the couples from Switzerland have done 2 one year trips, 3 years apart and they hope to go again soon (this current trip is a short one for them). Sounds like a great idea!
