What is it about this city, nestled into the north of Thailand, that keeps calling me back? My first visit here was right after grad school. I came here on a cheap flight as an air courier, with a quick stop over in Tokyo. I had heard so much about the city's night market, that I didn't even bother to stop in Bangkok first. I went directly to Chiang Mai.
I was as struck then by the creative force of the people who live here, as I am today. By day I walk along the streets of the city, dripping with sweat as I carouse the textile markets and craft studios.
I'm amazed what they can do with bamboo. It's a buzz with inspiration, imagination and perspiration. Chiang Mai is inspired and inspiring. I want to dig deeper and meet the makers of these beautiful crafts. I am constantly looking for anyone who may share their contacts with me. I feel like I'm hunting.
There are shadows of the old city everywhere. Stupas, Wats, old city walls...there is even a moat!
The new Chiang Mai seems to be rising like a Phoenix on top of all of this history. It is bursting with a creative vibe whose beat will not slow down. Chiang Mai is on fire!
We arrived here a week ago. We thought by now we would not only know where we wanted to live, but also which flat we wanted to make our home. Hmmmmm. We got the first part right. We know what part of the city is right for us (near the night market) and we've even found two condo buildings we love (Twin Peaks & Peaks Garden) but we can't find an available apartment in the building! We will keep trying. In the mean time, there is too much to do and enjoy.
Walking thru town we have stumbled across the most beautiful and historically significant pieces of architecture. There are over 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Some old and some new, all amazing. Wat Chiang Man is the oldest and was built in the 13th century.
King Mengrai lived here during the construction of the city.
The Naga on either side of the steps are mythical snakes which are said to be the source of the Ping River here.
In any case, you can ponder the beauty of this site for hours. Monks come and go. It is still a place of worship and is open to anyone.
Besides being open to people, it is open to all life; animal and mythical!
The food in Chiang Mai is typical Thai; delicious! We eat less and less like tourists now and more and more where the Thai people eat. These simple humble eateries, often located under large tented areas on the sides of streets cook some of the best food I've ever tasted.
Language continues to be a trip, but in the "land of a 1000 smiles" you're always appreciated for the effort. You greet everyone with "Sawadee-kaa" if you're female and "Sawadee-kup" if you're a man. You say this while you hold your hands together as in prayer and bow slightly. Since it always sounds like I am saying "sweaty-car" I giggle too. Still, a smile goes a long way here and is almost always reciprocated. The Thai people are full of grace.
So, though we have so far struck out in finding the perfect pad, we have had our small victories.
We have had great weather and even better health!
We are learning our way around without a G-P-S (we have an M-A-P instead)!
We found a woman named Tip, who makes the best fresh fruit smoothies!
We found the movie theater and after managing to confuse everyone we got tickets!
Travel has become like a vitamin to my spirit. It has coaxed me from my comfort zone and challenged my spirit to awaken. It isn't always easy and I'm not always getting what I want, (like an apartment!) but I am getting the adventure I signed up for. :)
--boo
Thank you Jay! My parents told me out thank you note to you and Kelly was returned! So sorry about that :/. We miss you and send our love. If you want to escape the election madness, join us! Kisses to the doggies!!
Posted by: Alain and Boo | 10/13/2012 at 09:39 AM
Lovely Boo. Thanks for sharing your spirit with those of us muddling through this amazingly ugly election cycle. You and Alain are an inspiration and bring much joy to us back here. Your words and photos offer a perspective which is warming to the soul.
Posted by: Oiseau | 10/13/2012 at 08:36 AM