M-whY

After a late breakfast, a few boxes of tonic were loaded into the car, and we hit the road. I had taken this route several times already, but at certain T-intersections, still needed to be reminded which direction to take.

"It doesn't feel very far after you've driven it a few times," said Deer of the 45 minute drive.

"It still feels far to me! Maybe I'll feel differently after two more weeks."

When the goods were safely deposited in customers' inventory, she guided me to Doi Tung. Three quarters of the way up, we pulled over at a scenic lookout. She ordered some food from a push cart, and we spread out a mat on the edge.

"We're really lucky," she noted, referring to our chance encounter and privileged status. "Not many people can enjoy themselves like this."

I agreed. Fortune had a lot to do with it. I was lucky to have a bit of money, good health, and plenty of time. All the pieces were in the right place. But none of this would've happened had I not decided to turn my life upside down four months ago and leave everything behind. Sometimes, you just have to put yourself in a position for fate to find you.

At the very top of Doi Tung was the Princess Mother Commemorative Hall, the Doi Tung Royal Villa, and the Mae Fah Luang Garden. Both of us were dressed inappropriately to visit the first two, so we just bought admission to the last. Deer had her picture taken with a pretty girl at the entrance.

"Who was that?"

"A movie star."

And as we strolled through, we found out what exactly the actress was doing here. The place had been chosen for a scene in a movie. With such exquisite gardens, it didn't come as much of a surprise.

Back near Chiang Rai, we stopped at a hot spring tucked away in the hills. This wasn't our first time here. More like our fifth. Our relationship had progressed quickly in two weeks, as is the case when two people just click. But even so, I felt a little weird stripping down to my birthday suit and getting into a huge pool of hot water with someone else.

"Still shy around me?" she teased.

"Of course," I replied. "I'm a shy person."

The last even of the day was a stop at the night market to pick up some food for dinner. As usual, everything was cheap and could be bought with a few coins.

"Have you tried durian before?" asked Deer.

I might've in visits to Taiwan several years ago, but if I did, I don't remember. I definately hadn't on this particular trip.

"No," I answered.

She found a stall selling the foul smelling fruit. Knives and heavy gloves were used to saw through the spiky encasing. I took a bite of the custard textured interior.

"Good?"

"Good." Though given a choice, I'd still rather have an orange!

Thanks to everyone for their support and comments! Knowing people are reading keeps me motivated to continue the updates!