Chilling in Chiang Mai

We arrived in Chiang Mai, which is the 2nd biggest city in Thailand, on Saturday night – after a marathon 13 hour train journey.

Since then we have moved hotels, done a bit of homework and just chilled out, as all of us, particularly Paul & myself, have head colds.  Probably picked up on the train, where the air conditioning was set at sub-zero temperatures.

I also had a really bad dose of tonsillitis while we were in Koh Samui, which put a dampener on my beach retreat there, however, I didn’t eat for 3 days so did wonders for my diet!

The hotel we are staying at provides a shuttle bus every night into the night markets (on Sundays there is also a once a week market which has additional shops).  So we have been into both of these markets to get something to eat over the last 2 nights.

The problem with these markets is that we really can’t buy anything because we can’t carry it and there are millions of people – you really can’t move – which none of us like.  I imagine that’s particularly not fun when you’re 5 and stuck amongst all these legs!  Michael very soon tired of wandering aimlessly amongst stalls selling tribal jewellery and clothes and carvings, plastic junk and tribal dancers and musicians etc etc etc.  Not to mention the countless foot massage places and food stalls (we did actually try a spring roll – yes I know very adventurous! – for only 5 Baht – we haven’t dropped dead yet, so I think that has spurred Paul on to try some more street food). 

Last night we bought a lot of dried fruit and I had a banana shake from a street vendor and it was all very nice.

Our favourite stall was definately the doggy shop, which sold all manner of dog clothes and accessories including neck ties, raincoats, hats… etc.  The 2 doggy models just sat on the table looking elegant in their outfits, not worried about the countless people who did double takes to make sure they were real and then pat them and take photos.

Tonight we head back to the night bazaar for dinner, although this time, under a new system we have set up due to whinging – each of us will have one night of picking what we eat.  Rules being it must be Thai except for one night a week when we can have something Western.  Tonight is Caitlin’s turn and she is very excited – although I’m not sure why, as all the Thai menus are the same.  I think it’s just a power thing!

Tomorrow, we get more interesting – we’re off to Tiger Kingdom to play with the tigers and then Friday, we’re having the whole day with elephants at an elephant rescue park.