Goodbye Bangkok, Hello Chaing Mai, Jenny and Ron!!

Yesterday Susan and I flew out of Bangkok and into Chang Mai, thailands second biggest city. This city is not only big, but is home to religious icons from a multitude of countries. As I sit here and type, I can see the wall that used to surround old Chaing Mia. I can also see a bit of the mote that accompanied the wall. Its about 6:47 AM, and I've been up since 4:30. Its funny, because there are a few street vendors out at that time, but I still cannot find the will to eat from most of them. 7-11 is very popular here, but I hate going near them because its seems so american. I ended up just walking the streets for a hour and a half. Its not bad, but now I know why the monks stay in the street, and dont use the sidewalks. Acutally, I think I knew a while ago =)


This place we are staying, the Sri Pat Guest House, is fantastic! This place is so warm and cozy, and so pretty to look at, I dont want to leave! I will upload pictures in a bit, and because I do not have a gallery system setup, I will start naming folders under the /thialand/ directory to things like "Bangkok streets" or "Chaing Mai Flower Festival" so you can follow along without direct picture links.

Last night we went out to a special sunday market. I guess it goes on for about a mile, but I can't imaging travelling it, I've already bought so much stuff, its GREAT. I'll need to buy a second check-in suitcase to put all this stuff in. Sooner or later we are going to a Thai Cooking School, so I'll keep you informed on that.

I'm anxiously awaiting the move to Mae Hong Son (spelling?) and Pai, as I came to Thailand with the thoughts of Banana Trees / Waterfalls and Outdoor Adventures. I have to say however that I find Thai City life quite exciting! The culture here is very very kind, and although I am clearly the "Farang" (read: Tourist), I find that we are generally welcomed with wide open arms.

I'm back and forth this morning, so try and stay with me. Yesterday, after the plane flight to Chang Mai, and some sushi/beer, we opted for a nice oil massage. This would be the second Massage I have recieved in thailand, and they are amazing! The first one cost about 2k baht at the Bangkok hotel, and lasted 2 hours. It was done in a nice private room with enya style background music. Fantastic. The second one cost 400 Baht, including a 100 Baht tip!! Cheap!!!


That massage lasted for about 1 1/2 hours, and was equally as good, and at 1/4th the cost, I have to say it was by far the better deal. This one was done by Chang Mai locals, and was a little less private, as I shared a room with Ron, however being such an attractive older man, I guess I didnt.......... wait wait. No, what I mean to say is that I didnt look his way and he didn't look mine, so it was all good. Besides, at 300 Baht (without tip), you cant ask for much more. (*cough*)

Heh, so anyway, These girls were CUTE! I have to say that I've never seen a larger majority of attractive young ladies, and now I can clearly understand why so many people come to asian countries to find their brides. I'm on the prowl for my Thai wife, too.

Lookout dad! I'm bringing one home!

There is a very large population of Monks here, and I belive that Chang Mai is the religious capital of Thailand, however, I could be mistaken.

It's getting light outside, and I had better go wake the others (slowpokes) so I'll talk to you all later! There is so much that I dont write about, It's hard to keep up!

More pictures and a more organized system coming soon.


Matthew.