Defining Happy

The people here in Pai actually greet you with a smile that seems to get larger when you smile back. The town is filled with so much love..literally and figuratively. It’s also quite unique when compared to other cities I’ve visited in Thailand. It has heart, soul and a whole lotta flava.

Instead of the same old souvenirs that you can find in every single day, night, and weekend market across southeast Asia the items sold here are mostly made by hand. From purses and hats knitted by women of the local tribes to funky “I love Pai” t-shirts most of the items won’t make you look like a typical tourist dork if you sport them out in public.

It took me all of 5 seconds to realize why so many people who arrive with plans to stay for a short time can’t bear to leave this one-of-a-kind place.

My time in Pai was informative, humbling and eye opening. I initially planned to stay three nights which grew to one week. I told Angelo and Kirstie, the couple running the place in the owners absence, that I wanted to extend my stay even longer and they penned me in the booked. However, later on that evening they had learned from the owners that the bungalow had already been booked online. They were so apologetic coming as a pair to my door to break the news to me.  I wasn’t actually bothered by it because I know that every single thing happens for a reason. They were going to assist me in finding alternate accommodations but I knew that nothing could top the experience I had at The Quinlins so I decided to leave instead.

Kirstie and Angelo had been traveling for a year and a half and were so lucky to have to opportunity to become caretakers over the resort. I had a great time hearing about their lives as avid travelers and knew for sure that I was in the presence of genuinely good people.

I’m not sure if I’d ever return to Pai again for fear that my first impression would be tainted but I don’t miss the opportunity to recommend the city and the resort to anyone who will listen.  Since I have everyone’s undivided attention I’ll tell you also….GO TO PAI, THAILAND AND STAY AT THE QUINLINS! 😉

I’m heading to Bangkok to load up on Malaria medication and catch a $1.50 train to the Cambodian border.

Sidebar: I swear I’m not going to want to pay regular price for anything when I get back to the states 😐  Can you imagine me at Walmart trying to negotiate the price of fruit? I’m going to do it just to see what happens.