I continue to be awed by the friendliness and kindness of people in Chiang Mai. Never have we been approached by as many locals in any other country we have visited. As we had our map, and were walking around yesterday, just amazed by the beauty of the city, uniqueness of the temples and trying to navigate the street signs(there aren't many), we were stopped and helped by so many Thais that I lost count. People in Chiang Mai are very friendly and offer all kind of advice, even without us asking for it about how to get to places, where to dine, shop or just visit. Of course, many of them are taxi drivers with the motive to getting us in their cab. Nonetheless, they continue to be friendly even after we decline their offers. It is so refreshing to be in such a place where almost everyone is smiling and friendly!
After breakfast yesterday, (and waiting for our luggage),I had a nice chat with Emmy, the receptionist at the hotel front desk. We talked about Thailand, Thai culture,people and food. She even gave me some exotic tropical fruit to try, which were delicious! I believe they are called litchi.We also talked about America, and I was impressed by how much knowledge she has of American politics and economy. I was also pleased to hear her say that Thai people like Obama. She has also mentioned that they did not like the "Texan". Really, this is what she called Bush:)
After we got our luggage, we set out exploring Chiang Mai by foot. Our hotel is just outside the east gate(ThaPae) of the walled town, two minutes walk and we were inside the city wall. What a sight! Delicious food everywhere! Smiley faces, and not so many signs of roads names. So we just followed our hunches for directions. Well, Bill's hunch, as I lack that feature. Of course, we could have taken a taxi, or a tuk tuk, but what is more fun than getting lost in a new town?
We visited temples, ate, visited more temples, talked to locals, ate, and visited more temples. Five hours later, we got back to the hotel and got a much needed one hour of traditional Thai massage in our room ,for less than ten dollars each. I've never had a Thai massage before, and really enjoyed it. Nothing is off limit for the masseuse to use, from her hands to her feet, she made sure I am well stretched and mellow by the time the hour is over.
After that, we headed to the Night Bazaar, another great scene.Vendors, food carts, massage chairs, anything and everything one could think of. We had delicious seafood dinner, watched traditional Thai dance and walked home feeling fully satisfied with our first full day in Chiang Mai.
Today, cooking class and flower festival!
Comments (9)
What a great start on your first day in Thailand!
It sounds like a real tourist-friendly place to visit.
Posted by nancyhol | May 19, 2009 8:59 PM
Posted on May 19, 2009 20:59
Sounds like you are having a great time! Do most Thai people you have encountered speak English? I had to chuckle about the "Texan"! Glad your luggage arrived. Still drooling...
Posted by girasoli | May 19, 2009 10:39 PM
Posted on May 19, 2009 22:39
LOL, I love that she called him the Texan! Too funny!
I can't wait to see photos of the temples!
Posted by Annie | May 20, 2009 8:38 AM
Posted on May 20, 2009 08:38
So glad you're enjoying your trip! My mother, who traveled to Asia frequently as part of her job, adores Chang Mai.
Posted by Amy | May 20, 2009 1:50 PM
Posted on May 20, 2009 13:50
Thanks all for the kind comments.
girasoli,we met people who I thought speak English very well and some who did not speak any. But we haven't had any problems. Of course people in the tourist indutry seem to speak English well. Food stands and some shop owners seem to only know numbers in English. With drivers. we've seen both:very well English and hardly any English, but they all made effort in pleasing us.
Posted by candi | May 21, 2009 3:24 AM
Posted on May 21, 2009 03:24
This sounds wonderful Candi -- I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself! The people sound lovely (I loved the Bush comment!) And the massage must have been fantastic after all of your traveling
Posted by sandrac | May 21, 2009 8:05 PM
Posted on May 21, 2009 20:05
I forgot to mention that we have lychee here in Hawaii! They are deelish!! I think they come out in September though so perhaps you haven't been here that time of year. You might be lucky to find some in August.
Interesting that you have found so many speaking English. Glad everyone has been so helpful.
Posted by girasoli | May 23, 2009 3:42 PM
Posted on May 23, 2009 15:42
Oh Candi, it sounds like you had a marvellous first day! I'm so glad for you, thanks for sharing it with us!! Chiang Mai sounds wonderful, so warm and friendly, and all those temples :)
Posted by Anne | May 25, 2009 12:06 PM
Posted on May 25, 2009 12:06
What a fantastic first day! How wonderful to get a massage after all the traveling and first day of sightseeing. I remember seeing a couple of times the traditional Thai dances and found them so fascinating. Loved the costumes and the music!
Posted by María I. | June 2, 2009 10:44 AM
Posted on June 2, 2009 10:44