In the Jungle, the Chang Mai Jungle!
Book excerpt no10 from ‘Backpacker to Nomad’ Travel Memoir
I’m delighted to present an exclusive sneak peek book excerpt from my new travel memoir ‘Backpacker to Nomad’
What readers are saying about ‘Backpacker to Nomad’
★★★★★ “The writing is excellent, and the author’s descriptions are so vivid” — Amazon Review
★★★★★ “You’ll get lost in Amit’s adventures and laugh along the way (mostly AT him)” — Amazon review
★★★★★ “I thought the way the book weaved between adventure and mental self-discovery was very smart. — Amazon Review
If you love travel adventures, discovery, and escaping reality to drift off to lands far and wide this is the book you need to pick up.
Book Launched: July 27th 2022
Sit back, grab a snack and enjoy …
Chang Mai jungle travel story overview
Amit had realised a childhood dream in the Chang Mia jungle, scaled death defying rope bridges, chased waterfalls, and rode bamboo rafts through a mirky river on this adventure. But life was ready with punches too, an opium addicted Tuk-Tuk driver was just one of them.
What’s lurking in the Chang Mai jungle?
There was no denying that while riding the elephant, my inner child had burst through the adult suit and I enjoyed every second while peering through the foliage on the lookout for Bagheera, Shere Khan Baloo, and Kaa. It was only once the ride was over that regret set in.
I started to think about whether the sanctuary was ethical or not, it had been advertised to be, but then again, so had the tiger sanctuary. That place left me feeling sick seeing all the drugged-up tigers. The tiger tattoo covering my right calf showed my affinity to the majestic of all animals in my view, but I only had regret about that visit too.
The tiger was my favorite animal, sharing personality traits like being misunderstood, it was a protective animal with a reputation for lashing out. Although many tiger attacks are made out to be unprovoked, that was not true. They only attack if they feel threatened or are provoked too much and then they will rip heads off — a bit like me.
But there was no point dwelling on it, what was done was done and it’s all about learning from mistakes. The painkillers had started to kick in, a cigarette rested between my lips and I lit it before detaching from the dead fallen tree trunk. All eyes were instantly on the hunt for things moving around in the dense green foliage and trees above, especially monkeys. Since the biting incident, I hadn’t had the same enthusiasm toward them.
A familiar & welcome sound
Dry rusty dirt kicked up from the ground. My limp had got worse and my injured foot dragged like a broken part hanging off the bottom of a car. Mobility had become an issue, the girls had floated away in front without much concern, however, Alex kept swiveling her head back just to make sure I was still in view.
Every movement from either side of the foliage prompted my eyes to turn into sniper scopes, looking through the dense covering of palms and vines, but there was nothing was in sight, jungle animals were the masters of disguise.
The rusty dirt ground disappeared and turned into flattened overgrowth — I was certain the jungle’s inhabitants probably had eyes on me. However, away from the buzzes, zips, crickets, and croaks, another sound started to demand my attention. It was hidden from view, but everybody knew what it was. The girls let their ears lead the way as I trudged behind almost managing a smile. My inner child wanted to burst through the adult suit but was physically incapable at this point.
“Can you hear that, Amit? We go check it out, yes?” beamed Alex
Right here in the jungle!
That was not a surprise, the three of them disregarded any concerns or fears about anything living in the jungle and were on the hunt. The canopy had closed overhead, but beams of sunlight shot through like lasers; all the foliage reflected different shades of green, but as the girls disappeared, I stopped for a second to take it all in, to feel it all.
I’m alone in a Thai jungle, this is as close to The Jungle Book as I’m ever going to get. Fuck my life, this is incredible, but it hurts so much!
Why does life like to hug and punch me at the same time so much? asked the other inner voice.
Laughter, screams, and giggles broke my thoughts and my ears perked up. For a moment, I had forgotten about the injury and rushed in their direction, pushing loose vines and giant leaves out of the way but coming to a stop before hitting my stride. The gushing became louder as I hobbled closer, adrenaline started to pump in anticipation. My inner child was desperate to burst out, but just couldn’t.
