My Thai Discovery Journey

In spite of being tired from the travelling and previous day’s activities, I woke early. The bed is very very firm but I felt refreshened none the same. I went for a walk before the traffic became too busy. Kids go to school on Saturdays here so there were a few about dressed in their uniforms. I saw some dogs and cats and thought of the pets back home.

Lots of monks of all ages strolling about the streets.

After this first walk, I enjoyed some papaya back in the room. Feeling nourished, I again set off for another walk, taking in some of the many Wats (temples) that are typical of Chiang Mai - there are over 300 of them.

One of the most impressive in the Old City is Wat Khuan Khama also known as the Horse Temple. It has a large Buddha as well as 50 golden horse statues. According to a sign in the temple the horse theme is due to the temple grounds once being owned by a famous groom and soldier who dedicated the land to the temple when his favourite horse died.

This pic for you @outlander

Next stop was to find a place I went to last time I was here that serves the best mango and sticky rice. I eventually found it and it was as good as I remembered it to be. I then checked in on a yoga studio that had good recommendations only to find that it was closed for renovations.

The afternoon was spent at the Buak Hard Park, people watching. I hired a straw mat and settled myself down for a couple of hours just gazing at the families and tourists including some young guys tight rope walking and juggling thus providing some entertainment to passers by.

There were people playing badminton, kicking a ball around, working out on ancient gym equipment (which is in the process of being replaced), people jogging, kids laughing and playing. All in all a pleasant afternoon.

As night fell, I headed back to the food markets which were crazy busy on a Saturday night. I picked up a fruit smoothie before walking down a quieter street to dine. I found a vegetarian cafe and had a plate of vegetable and tofu with satay sauce.

Then it was off to a quiet bar to watch the football over a glass of wine. I disgustingly left at half time after Manchester United were being slaughtered deservedly so because their playing was abysmal.

Back to the hotel and a shower. After walking nearly 20 kms in the heat and humidity, I was well and truly tired and ready for sleep.

@soul I'm enjoying getting out and about in Thailand. Thanks for the tour.

I love all the pictures @soul

So many adventures packed into one day. Now that's living! I do believe you will sleep well tonight. I absolutely loved the Horse temple and the way you described people enjoying their afternoon in simplicity. And the food looks amazing - I love stir-frys. So wonderful and fascinating to see and learn how the other half are living. What has been the best highlight for you so far in your journey @soul? Looking forward to seeing day 3 😊

Day 3

Took advantage of the cooler temperature and went for a walk around the park. Saw people doing yoga and tai chi and getting their exercise in before it heated up for the day. Had some delicious fruit for breakky.

I love going to the zoo and Chiang Mai has a half decent one. Probably shouldn’t have picked a Sunday to go as it was quite crowded. It is set over a huge expanse of land and I walked and walked and still didn’t see all of the exhibits. They have a separate aquarium section which I left for another time.

Some of the sections were under renovation but I especially loved the monkeys, giraffes and elephants. I even got to feed a couple of the elephants.

Then as if I didn’t get enough of animals, I stopped by a Cat Cafe and had a cool drink. I’m not really a cat person never having had one in my life but I enjoyed their antics and can now cross that off my list of things that I have done.

Went back to the room to have a bit of a rest before grabbing some dinner and more fruit for the next day.

Day 4

Got up very early in the dark and got in a couple of work related stuff before the day was underway. The internet in the room is a bit iffy so I settled myself in the outdoor lobby area.

After that, I walked to the park and hung out there for a while. They are in the process of replacing and installing more gym equipment so I had a go at some of the stations and also bought a bag of feed for the pigeons and fish. They were very appreciative. Enjoyed a freshly cut open coconut for a refreshment.

I spent a bit of time researching Pai where I will be going later in the week. I had a nice swim in the hotel pool before having a little nap and then going back to the food markets for dinner.

On the way back to the room, I stopped by the park again and watched the activities including the local lads playing sepak takraw which is like a cross between football and volleyball where you kick a rattan ball over a kick net. You can use your chest, and head as well but not your hands or arms.

Wow, so much to see and do over there. I loved the colourful McGaws, they are so beautiful, and I could of spent all day in the cat cafe. Sounds like you are having a real ball - am really enjoying the tour!

Day 5

Woke up to a damp day and there were a few showers which put paid to the amount of walking I would normally do. I found out that rain in Chiang Mai seems to play havoc with internet reliability too.

Did some research on Pai my next destination before embarking on a search for bananas. I tried to buy a couple at the night food markets yesterday but no one would sell me less than a whole bunch even when I offered them a good price. Anyway I was able to pick up a smallish hand of lady fingers and had four of them for lunch. Also got some bottled water as it isn’t safe to drink from the tap.

This afternoon, I popped into a massage place I noticed just down the road from me and enjoyed a somewhat vigorous foot massage - an hour for 120 baht = $4.63. My feet feel really good now.

The clouds continued to rain on my parade and my anticipated trip to the Jazz Club has been put on hold.

So all in all, quiet day. Hopefully not too wet tomorrow.