I like Chiang Mai. It has a certain energy to it, an easy excitement. Moon and I were a little sad to leave. Didn’t have enough time to see all there was to see. It’s cooler due to a higher altitude so that was nice, compared to Bangkok where it’s hot and humid and I was thinking often about taking a shower to cool off. I’m not dissing Bangkok because it's one of my favorite places.
Above of Chiang Mai in the mountains is a Buddhist temple and a Thai Hill Tribe. With Moon on the back of our motorbike, we headed up the windy road all the way to the top. A motorcyclist dream of a road. In and out of the corners with with a big smile on my face. You could feel the sudden changes in the temperatures, the coolness of the shade from the tall trees and the warmth of the sunlight when momentarily breaking out into the open. Then there I was thinking I'm in Nirvana, taking in the fragrance and lushness of the jungle, Moon would yell, "GET BACK ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD!!!". We'll it was peaceful when I remembered to stay on the left side of the road instead of the right like we do in the states. We enjoyed the view all the way up and the cool weather at a higher altitude. The Temple was beautiful and the hill tribes showed off their hand made wares. And, of course, we bought some.
The Thai people are a gracious and respectful bunch. Easy to smile. They only get riled if you touch their head, point, or say nasty things about their King. Otherwise, they’re pretty easy going, with one other exception. Driving. Men and women, young and old think of themselves as Michael Andretti types. Driving here is just one big game of Chicken. Cutting in, tailgating, passing to on-coming traffic, making 5 lanes of traffic on a three lane highway, it might not be legal but it's permitted by your fellow drivers. Merging is accomplished by whoever gives up first. You name it, they do it. That said, no one seems to get upset or angry, no hand gestures, little to no honking, no road rage...no malice.
Moon and I snorkeled in Koh Lanta. When the boat arrived everyone climbed in and took off their shoes, then thrown into a plastic clothes basket so we wouldn't get sand all over the floor of the boat. The snorkeling environment was beautiful, the coral and fish...lots of fish. The water was so warm it was amazing. I could have stayed in the water the whole day. After finishing, the anchor was pulled and we were headed for home in unsettled seas. There were four delightful giggling Japanese women on the boat and one of them started to turn green. She finally jumped up and headed for the garbage can, but unfortunately only made it as far as our basket of shoes to relieve her stomach upset. We’re her friends aghast? Discussing how they might comfort their friend ?....No they were all giggling, which led the rest of us to start giggling too. It was funny.
Traveling is Therapy. It allows time to let go of all the tensions daily life might bring at home, even if they are insignificant and grants some space to reflect in a different environment. I could probably do that at home but would miss the richness and diversity of other's culture and people. It can also be a humbling experience to know we have it pretty good back home in Seattle Washington, USA.
Beijing next and last.
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