CHIANG MAI
30Jan 2018
Today, 30Jan, we are in Chaing Mai Thailand, in the northern part of the country. We’re up near mountains and it’s much cooler in the morning. It was 61deg when we got up, so we have windows open for the first time in a few weeks. It will still get hot today, mid-upper 80s, but not the 90s like down south. Just booked our half day tour for 1Feb to see parts of the city, the old walled city and a trip up the mountain, Doi Suthep, where there’s a very old Wat (temple) that is still an active monastery. We saw the lights last night.
We have a great 1BR airbnb flat, nicely laid out, with a view of the mountain from the balcony. We’re in great location to do some serious wandering around today and tomorrow.
Long 24K step walkabout – to and through the walled Old City, fully surrounded by a moat! Then a walk along the river, a stop for beverages, and a walk back with a stop at the store for snacks. Too tired for dinner – Thom found some take out while we watched a movie.
30Jan – Chiang Mai·
Today we explored a nearby shopping area about 2 blocks from our flat. The popular Nimmanahaeminda Road area is full of coffee shops, stores, shops, etc. and includes a big mall. Again we visited for the Thai experience!!! I was unable to find Keen walking shoes again, but instead found some merrills on sale. The heels were worn and peeling off the keens, so it was time… We had a delicious iced mocha coffee at Ristr8to before wandering back. Tomorrow we take a tour to the various Chiang Mai temples and then up to the one on the mountain top that we can see from out balcony.
It’s 745pm and we have 100% eclipse on the way.
1Feb Day 3 – Chiang Mai
Today, Feb 1 is our last day in Thailand. It’s been a terrific 2+ weeks!!! Seen the big city, the beach, and the wonderful city in the mountains!!! We took a tour today of 3 temples, got a lot of history and the last temple was a long drive up the mountain. The temple was built by the founder of Chiang Mai and is amazing. Many many Buddha statues and a beautiful gold plated pagoda tower.
Tomorrow we depart in the morning for the first leg of our journey to New Zealand. We have a 3+hr trip to Singapore, a 5hr layover, and a 10hr trip to Auckland, arriving 11:30AM Saturday. No luck with an upgrade from Singapore air, will just have to try again I guess!!!
Hoping the internet is as good in NZ as it’s been here – it’s been amazing – both fast and prevalent everywhere.