....of Summer, and Thailand

[myrhiann]

First day of summer today, and so cold I had to wear my parka when I went down to the shops! It's been showering on and off all day, and no doubt snowing on the mountain. When I went to the chemist to have a script filled there was a table of Thai blue & white china reduced, so I bought one that was suitable as a serving plate for parties for about

Comments

[sidherian]

I remember that part of the city. When Mum and I were there we went for a walk to see the wall. Mum kept insisting I was going the wrong way (this from a woman known for her total lack of direction). I insisted I was right and we had a debate as to how I could tell which way to go when all the signs were in Thai. Just as she was insisting that we go back we rounded a corner and there it was, the old wall. Since then I have been in charge of directions.

[myrhiann]

Each time we have been to Chiang Mai we have stayed inside the walls, apart from the first time when we stayed at the Westin, which we both hated, we are just not the 5 star type! On our honeymoon we stayed at a guesthouse called the Rendezvous, which was charming, but could have been cleaner and the beds were very hard. The last few trips we stayed at the Montri, which is a 4 star hotel, and suited us fine. That is opposite the Tha Phae gate, so easy walking distance to most places we wanted to go, although I used to catch a tuktuk to the night market in Chang Klan road and then walk back, having spent all my money on the way. Having been there so frequently we made friends with some of the local people, which was really nice. They always used to be thrilled to see us return. I'm sad that we are done travelling as I would have loved to have gone there again. Were you there at the time of Loy Kratong?

Did you go to Lamphun while you were there? It is an interesting town also.

[sidherian]

I don't remember going to Lamphun, and it definitely wasn't Loy Kratong when we were there. We always stay at 5 star because Mum isn't happy with anything else, and she pays so I don't mind. In fact, after one job where I worked for a company that supplied 5 star hotels, I am rather used to that form of luxury.

[words_spoken]

How interesting! I have never been outside the US - except for Canada, and there is so much I'd love to experience!

[myrhiann]

I hope you get to experience some of those things. It makes you appreciate what you have at home when you see how people in less affluent countries live, apart from which it is so wonderful to experience another culture. To visit a country with a culture as ancient as Thailand's was totally fascinating.

[words_spoken]

My son was stationed in Okinawa for a year with the Marines and did some local traveling while there. He said he really loved it - the history, the people, the culture (and the food!) - and would go back in a heartbeat. He was only 17 when he went over, and I'm really glad he got that experience in his life.