A New Home

Frantically dodging taxis, tuk tuks, etc., one of my new friends took me on motor bike through Chiang Mai about 20 minutes on other side of Old City to see a possible rental near Chiang Mai University.  Ah-h good, I thought, off main street as where I've been staying is like sleeping in the middle of busy turnpike -- trucks, motorcycles, cars all night long -- no wonder they gave me ear plugs.  Anyway, 7-11 on corner which is good for renewing phone minutes and getting snacks -- and what a surprise.  Tucked away on tree lined lot was a small 2 story white-washed town house with a small front yard -- a simple, albeit older, pleasant home.  Already furnished at least what will be good start, the manager told me he will bring in new beds, clean everything, fix anything that needs to be done and I can move in later this week.  Not traditional kitchen, although good basics -- fridge  concrete countertops, microwave, etc.; has traditional Thai kitchen where burner stove is on back porch so food smells don't stay in home and a little place for a 2nd table and chairs -- not too bad.  2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms -- plenty room for guests.  My son may stay for a few months till he determines where he will work or live ultimately, so this would be comfortable.  If you have cash and passport, the apartment can be yours -- no intense scrutiny, background checks, fingerprints required.  Bargain price and I think I'll take it for 6 months.  Well, that wasn't so hard now was it?  Lol!

A Taste of Thai

Paul and I walked the Sunday market for what seemed to go on forever -- most anything you might ever want or need is available -- just amazing.  We took a break from market wares every few blocks to pop into a temple or Wat complex and I knew I would have to come back for photos as the mix of spiritual and cultural renderings was almost too much to take in - Chiangmai, at nearly 800 years old, has had a very diverse history, and a little piece of old and new is represented.  A few of my favorites are set below.  Sawadee kha!

Not a cultural icon, but towels as elephants -- OMG!

Moat surrounding the Old City

Finally Arrived!

Left Bangkok on Saturday for a brief flight to Chiang Mai.  Used Thai Air and got my first taste of Royal Orchid service; awesome!  Would recommend Thai Air or EVA any day of week.  US could definitely learn something if we'd take the time to bother.


Arrived in Chiang Mai and my first impression was fabulous; smaller, more personable, but nicely laid out and not lacking for anything.  Caught brief glimpses of parks, canals, flowers, birds, temples and the inevitable commerce.  Everything seems to be for sale and gracious hosts most willing to find whatever you need to make you happy for a small token.  Costs are so reasonable it takes a bit getting used to, but have already become fairly adept in dealing with baht.  My son would of course shake his head at my insolence as I inevitably am asking him if this is good or if this works. Lol!  Takes time, however, to adapt to the concept that some people really want very little and are happy for whatever you give -- a few cents, a couple dollars -- just amazing.  Shows our greed to shame!


Have learned quite a few Thai phrases already, but as long as you know the "wai," or traditional greeting which consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion, you are forgiven most -- this can also be used in gratitude or farewell - and is usually accompanied by Sa-wa-dee kha/kup depending on if girl or guy.  Still so much to learn, but am looking forward to it.


My hotel is old and well worn with love and graciousness, but with all amenities anyone could ask for at such reasonable price.  For dinner I ate at hotel restaurant and had fresh shrimp in red curry paste with rice for about 100 baht or $3.23.  Add on a 20 baht tip or .64 and you're good to go.  


Now I have to figure out the phone deal, get a long-term accommodation and take Thai cooking classes.  Can't wait to get started for real!  I think I can do this and am so happy to have the opportunity.  Just amazing!

We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Passed thru Taipei briefly and landed in Bangkok a few hours later.  OMG, this is like NYC on steroids.  Crazy, crazy busy -- activity does not stop.  Traffic unbelievable but finally came to hotel which was great!  Rooms a little small, but I guess if so much of Bangkok wasn't flooded, it wouldn't make any difference -- we'd be out and about much more.  Seems like my touring city will have to wait.  My son introduced me to a friend he has known for some time and we went to visit her family home.  Got my first real taste of  magnanimous giving -- she had not much to speak of, but she spent 5 hours pampering me to best of her ability because I was "mom."  What a special treat!

Now We're Getting Somewhere!

Received my approved Visa for a year extended stay in Thailand -- simpler than I thought and great to know it's done.  Will have to reauthorize every 3 months, but as Chiang Mai is near Laos, simple to hop across border and back or perhaps even find a simpler process once I'm there.  On Halloween, my sons, some friends and I had our Thanksgiving dinner which was great.  Stuffed rightly so, we chose to honor family traditions on perhaps an unconventional date, but giving thanks should never have a specified time or expiration on it.  Next day, my son, Paul, left for Thailand and is now safe and sound in Bangkok.  Everything is cool and so far doesn't require wading boots or boats to get around.  He said EVA airlines was fab, which I was of course glad to hear since my time is coming up in about 10 days.  I'll join him in Bangkok and then on to Chiang Mai a few days later. I'm excited, nervous, overwhelmed and grateful for the opportunity and really looking forward to it.  Love to have you visit, so do keep in touch -- I know I will!