4th September 2009
On the top of a mountain in the wild jungle of Borneo the Gallant Captain Ganghook sits and looks down over the low valleys and deep river where More Magic lays peacefully at anchor with the Buxom Wench aboard preparing a feast for his return.
Ganghook has had a very prosperous few months, since leaving the crystal clear waters of Tioman Island the crew have ventured up the spice rich coast of East Malaysia, devouring all that dare to come before them, not an island has been left untouched, Ganghook and his Wench have left their mark, as far north as The Perenthian Islands where the back packers are fierce and the music is booming, to Terengganu where all the Mosques are tiled with the most exotic jewels and reflect the sun for as far as the eye can see.
Ah but the sea is not enough for the adventurous crew of More Magic, they must see more, learn more, Trains, planes and buses await, for there is more than one way to conquer the vast lands of Asia.
Ganghook, the Wench & the trusty ships Rat “Cheese” take to the skies. From Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok then a over night train trip (and oh what a train trip, perhaps the Wench is better suited to the high seas or perhaps a crate of Rum would help ease the journey!) to Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand home of the Asian Elephant, now most loved animal of the Wench, “Oh Captain, every ship needs an Elephant” she proclaims after spending a most exciting day playing in the rivers with these wondrously genteel animals. “Nay” the Captain replays “with all the shoes and handbags, there is not room at the inn for such a beast a rat shall be your lot” http://www.elephantnaturepark.org .
Before leaving Chiang Mai a must do is to visit the Chiang Mai Zoo, for there are many exotic creatures roaming the grounds, from Hippo’s to Papa Bear (Proud father of the 
Panda) and you may even catch a White Tiger there.5 days and 5 nights are enjoyed plundering the back streets and alley ways of Chiang Mai, food and fabric galore; not to mention the hundreds of WATS,” What is a Wat you may well ask?” Temples, Wats and Pagoda’s they are all the same just a different language, Yes it is true, Thailand is abundant with these glistening gold leaf monuments. Oh the Wench is in heaven, market upon market, alas though it is the Captain who buys the shoes, (Tis a plot to keep the elephant off the ship!!!!).
From Chiang Mai on to Chiangrai they relax in style on Malaysia’s Deluxe Coach lines, take in the Magic sites of rice paddies and tranquil beauty that Northern Thailand is famous for.
From Chiangrai a car is hired to drive through the steep climbing mountain roads to Maisalong, home of the Hill tribe people, and the beginning of the Golden Triangle, there is no evidence of opium grown here now days, Tea and tourism has taken its place. A night is spent in the fresh mountain air overlooking the Burmese border before the traveler’s head off once again back down the slopes towards Chiangrai.
Chiangrai is the site of the most Magnificent Wat Rong Khun www.watrongkhun.com a feast for the eyes of all who see.
The brave captain & crew journeyed along on the local bus, now how many Thais can you fit on a bus, I think we finally found the answer, on boxes and floors 5 to a 2 person seat this was a real up close and personal trip, never the less the fearless crew rose to the challenge and disembarked in the planned location with just a few minor knocks and bumps.
Another highlight in Chiangrai is the Town Clock Tower, created by the same artist as the Wat Rong Khun) twice each night there is a cacophony of color and sound, changing from yellow to red to purple, the whole show lasts around 10mins and the traffic is still going around the roundabout, business as usual whilst we brave sailors capture the show on our cameras.
Alas it is well known that a pirate’s life is unpredictable and these pirates must cut the trip short and rush back to the good ship, then on to home lands as there are attempts of plundering happening on the home shores. Ganghook’s treasures must be protected at all costs.
A quick trip on the big silver bird returns the sailors once more to the good ship MMagic and it is time to set sail, for the Wild Men of Borneo are calling.
