Chiang Mai #1

This is it!  Our vacation has started.  Last night we boarded the train for Chiang Mai.  Not too bad of a trip.  We had been fortunate to book a first class sleeper cabin, well worth the extra few hundred Baht.  Of course, it could have just as well been called a first class insomnia cabin!  Both of us woke up with each train stop.  Still, the bed was comfortable...

We arrived in Chiang Mai at about 10:30 AM.  Nice "cool" weather here.  Not quite as big and dirty of a city as Bangkok, which is refreshing.  It is quite nice to see a strong Hill Tribe presence and influence at the markets, etc.  We found and checked into a great little guest house.  Our room is cozy and at a great price too... only 450 Baht a night.  It is a family run business with everyone pitching in.

After a short little rest and a shower, we were out on the streets of Chiang Mai.  We wandered around for a bit until finally talking with a Tuk Tuk driver and arranging a tour of some Wat's.  After our Wat tour he dropped us off at the Sunday Market.

What a wonderful influence of Hill Tribe culture!  Such a nice change from our local Bangkok Market and MBK.  Still some very touristy wares, but still some more unique items as well.  There was plenty of art available for purchase.  We found a great "Line Thai" piece done in black ink.  We also bought a great Hill Tribe style embroidered blanket.  Very colorful.

Once our feet were sufficiently tired from walking up and down the market, we decided to head for home.  A short walk later we arrived.  Whew!  What a day.  Enjoy the pictures.  Until tomorrow...



Eduardo

Winter

This morning we were informed it was the official first day of winter here in Thailand.  It was actually quite nice and cool when we left the apartment this morning.  A brisk 22 degrees, cloudy skies, and a gentle breeze.  A little different from winter back home.

The downside of course is that it is nearly impossible to get into the Christmas spirit when there is no snow, and no sub-zero temperatures.  It doesn't however prevent the Thai people from doing their best to promote the holiday spirit.  No pictures yet, but hopefully some to follow.  Also, more updates coming soon from our past adventures.

Lastly, we will be leaving for our Christmas vacation this weekend.  We are off to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand.  We have been told this is the best time of year to visit.  Too many plans to tell you all about now.  We will update the blog as we go along.

Merry Christmas!  Check us out on Skype, we'd love to hear from you!

Eduardo