Chiang Mai - Direct from the source.

I left Singapore ridiculously early today and, this afternoon, find myself in northern Thailand. Chiang Mai to be precise. It's pretty full-on. An assualt on the senses. The city is surrounded by a moat and cars and motos and tuk-tuks zip by constantly, filling the air with noise. Side streets leading to the main road are packed with guesthouses, eateries and laundry places (by which I mean places where they wash your clothes and hang them out to dry).

It hasn't even been a full day and I am reminded by how friendly fellow travelers and locals can be. I struck up a conversation with an older American couple near the taxi stand at the airport and asked if they wouldn't mind sharing a taxi. They were heading to a guesthouse a bit further north than the one I was seeking (theirs was more expensive). At any rate, they were so friendly and quite inspiring....probably in their late 40s (she grew up in Philly, and he in NY). They are visiting Thailand for three weeks. When we got to their destination, Ken and Lee refused to take my share of the taxi ride. It was incredibly kind of them.

As I headed out to explore the streets of Chiang Mai (you think the streets of Greenwich can get confusing...this place is nuts!!!), I stopped to peek at my map. An older man (probably in his 60s) came up and asked if I needed help. He was American and has been living here for four years. Without even asking, he told me some good spots to check out.

It is so humid here.....taking showers almost seems futile. You just sweat up a storm within seconds. And the street signs are pretty funny....either there are no signs at all or the English version appears differently than what is on your map (apparantly a lot gets lost in the translation and some words just can't be translated!).

It will be a miracle if I find my way out of here.

As on the flights over, I'm quite surprised at how many families are here. Have seen families with youngsters on the plane over and walking the streets. Seems like it's quite the destination for families.

That's it for now. Will hopefully post again soon, but not sure what kind of internet access I'll find in the next few days.

Miss you all and hope everyone is well.

Chiang Mai - Direct from the source.

Chiang Mai, Thailand