Day 5, 5/9/05, Chiang Mai
Another early start, this just isnt like me….
Just booked a couple of trips to take care of tues and weds, in brief tue starting at the highest point in Thialand and Mountain biking for a day through mountains and jungle Roads. Then on wednesday of trecking for the day, visiting some hill tribes, bamboo rafting, elephant riding etc so will go in to more detail once Ive done it…
Well today has been good, walked most the day. Started of Visiting yet another Wat although this one is the inner cities showcase called Wat Phra Singh
established in 1345, a hugggge golden Buddha inside
and four Golden Monks, picture does not do the size justice though.
After there I started off towards the River Mae Nam Ping which is on the other side of the city. On the way I stopped at a book store looking for a book on Buddhism and although not exactly about Buddhism I opted for Ancient Wisdom, Modern World by the Dalai Lama.
Again whilst still on route ( its a long walk) stopped off at a little Thai place called TIME about noon and tried theirSom Tam Thai ( Green Papaya Salad ) which was out of this world and sooo hot and spicy to, too be fair to the Thai’s they do ask you if you want the normal one (spicy/hot) or the milder one, I told her to fill her boots and make it as spicy as possible.
Came accross another indoor market
and had a much about, good job I just eaten or I could have gone to town in there.
Eventualy reaching the River Mae Nam Ping,
which is massive. Only two and a half weeks ago flooded bursting its banks and took out alot around it killing some people too. Amazing to see the shops although damaged in this part of town they were open as normal. Then found the city centre, again street after street of stalls,
markets and shops. One street I saw a picture of it flooded before I came away was all up and ruuning as normal to, probably the most westernised st in Chiang Mai. It has a Boots, Burger King, Mcdonalds, Starbucks, Pizza Hut etc. ( there was me worrying about bringing water purifing kits) 
Got there just in the nick of time to, the heavans opened up, first rain Ive seen ( it is the monsoon season still here) Instant tons of water falling, Forked lightening thunder for about and hour. Made the most of it by putting me feet up in Starbucks, had a Mocha Frapachino and started my book.
Walked home via dif route and got back to find we have no power at the hostel because of the storm, fingers crossed its on by the time I get back later.
Gonna have a few beers now with three girls from London I met last night then and early night for me cause Im being picked up at 8.30am for the mountain biking. Over and out……
Tags: Travel
Brett