The Hope For The Nations : Day Train to Chiang Mai

We have been so active traveling to and around Chiang Mai, investigating the cultural happenings, meeting new people, and visiting mission organizations that there has been what seems to be a limited amount of down time to get caught up with our blog.

After reading some reviews online it was thought best by us to travel by train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok in order to have the experience and see the sights. The price was also attractive, only $20/person.

Moriah excited about adventure on train

Settled in for some reading time while observing the sights

Well, now in retrospect through our experience of riding and stopping, rocking and rolling for what seemed even longer than the actual 14 hours to get there, we could make a somewhat less enthusiastic recommendation for anyone else considering going by train instead of airplane. Our backs, tailbones, and other anatomical parts got quite a workout not to mention our demeanor towards one another as our patience wore thin at times. We began questioning whose "wonderful" idea this was after only being half way to our destination. By that time the "sights" we thought to experience by means of this form of transportation consisted mainly of several hundred miles of rice paddies in various stages of cultivation. When we did reach the foothills to see something different, like monkeys and lush jungle vegetation, the sun was already fading in the west and within a short time we were gazing through the dust-caked windows into darkness. Another highlight for Moriah was a choice of an eastern squatter or a conventional western sit-down toilet, both a bit tricky to maneuver with the train swaying and lunging during the ride. Might we add that some people were not so successful with their aim!

Western style toilet crammed into a phone booth

The sight of many cockroaches climbing out from behind the garbage receptacles near where we were sitting and especially one climbing on the back of Gary's arm, when it began to get dark, encouraged Lyndell and Moriah to try and find empty seats elsewhere while keeping their feet off the floor. Gary chose to remain where he was and actually was able to sleep for a couple hours. However, Lyndell and Moriah kept their eyes wide open!

The redeeming value of the excursion was the opportunity to share the gospel with a fellow traveler.

Lyndell was initially sitting next to this retired college instructor who was a native Thai, however, now a current resident in the U.S. for the past 30 years. Lyndell initiated a conversation that included much about the Lord and Christianity. After Gary stopped reading a story to Moriah on the Kindle he switched seats with Lyndell, so he could continue presenting the gospel using Romans 6:23 and the "Bridge" illustration. The man commented that although he had a Christian pastor as a friend, he had never had such a clear presentation of Christianity before, however, he thought it might be difficult to teach an old dog new tricks. We then gave him some literature, which he read and then he gave us his address and phone numbers while in Thailand and back in the U.S. in case we needed anything. We trust that a seed planted will bear fruit in God's timing.

Finally arrival in Chiang Mai- the reason for the smiles

Before traveling to Chiang Mai we had made hotel reservations for the first two nights, prior to moving in with Scott and Holli Rebney, based again upon splendid online reviews . We now think that perhaps some of these wonderful reviews are made by the owners good friends, workers, and relatives. Needless to say the accommodations did not match the raving reviews. Enough said about the hotel and train since we confess that as Americans we have become way too soft in our lifestyle expectations and often way too unappreciative of all that the Lord provides to meet our needs.