Chiang Mai

Up at 6am, to catch an early flight to Chiang Mai, north of Thailand. The drive that early in the morning was a striking contrast to my arrival, took about 30 minutes compared to over an hours on my way in a few days ago. I was kept nicely occupied in the taxi ride by trying to swap one mossie who had made its way in with me. Needless to day I didn't suceed.

I was early at airport, so strolled around: with over 40 restaurants and hundreds of shops, I could have arrived days early and not been bored. I nearly 'lost' my toothpaste at the security control, as container larger then regulated size, but a bit of negotiating (or my bad breath) allowed me to get away with it. On the plane, an old friend joined me: yes, the mossie from the cab, I'm pretty sure it was him, up North like me.

One hour later, I was in Chiang Mai, hopped out, grabbed a cab (same technic of little coupon first) and drove to the hotel, Baan Orapin. It's a beautiful traditional house, with additional lodging in the back amongst vegetation and a swimming pool. The town of Chiang Mai is about 10 minutes away from airport, so very easy to get in/out. The strange thing was that on the way to the hotel I had an immediate reaction of wanting to leave again. Nothing that I saw made me want to hang out here, not even the hotel however soothing it seemed. I had planned to stay here 5 nights/6 days, and forced myself not to call Bangkok Airways to change my flight. I had to gove the town a chance. So I dropped my gear, and headed out... the wrong way, and got lost. All seemed gloomy until I reached the moat, encircling the old city in a square shape. Crossed over, and found a motocycle rental. 5 minutes later I was zooming on my moped, alive again, and starting to see the possibilities of the town. It's actually small enought that you could bike it, at least the old city, but there are so many motobikes that it's actually safer to be on a moped yourself then on a bicycle. I drove up to Doi Suthep, a moutain temple, and one of Thailand's most revered places of pilgrimage. It's about 20 minutes through the mountain & national park, and with 300 somewhat steps leading to the temple once you arrive.

I'm not able to upload images right now, but will keep trying.