Escape
Trip Start
Mar 27, 2007
1
5
17
Trip End
Jun 10, 2007
Chiang Mai,
Thailand
Thursday, April 12, 2007
I got a taxi from the airport to the city center and told him to take me to a little guest house rec'd in Lonely Planet. For 150 Baht per night (that's what? A little over $5?) I get a double bed, my own bath, fan, etc. No A/C and it is hot, but that's what cold showers are for. Last night after I arrived, I walked a bit and found a little market nearby. Tons of fresh (?) veggies and meats and fish. I have to confess, I'm a little wary of trying them out. Partially because I did see a peek of a pen full of dogs behind one of the stands. And I'm not at all sure that they were selling the dogs as pets
chedi luang
. But I could be paranoid. Highlight yesterday was definitely the dog who decided to cross a busy street... and not only did she cross, but she decided that she had to poop in the middle of the busy street. I arrived on 09 April and the next day I walked for hours, avoiding Tuk Tuk drivers and searching out random wats and a local park. I called it training for Nepal without the climbing. Water festival should liven things up a bit tomorrow. I've already been doused a few times by locals wielding hoses and water guns. Good fun, I'm sure. I may have to purchase a watergun to protect myself.
I decided today (11 April) that I am headed to Laos. It makes sense to head that way since I am almost there anyway. A trip to Vietnam via plane is expensive and especially time consuming since it is a Thai holiday and many offices are closed. I have to get a visa beforehand for Vietnam... but can get one at the border of Laos and Cambodia. Since I have the time... Laos it is. Only problem now is how to waste 4 days in Chiang Mai.
(Later) Lots and lots of water guns around here. Everyone is soaked. Kids (and adults) in the back of trucks cruise the streets with huge buckets and fling onto passersby. Others line the moat, dipping their guns and buckets into the water to fling it on everyone else. I was soaked by some dreadlocked white rastas earlier and dumped my 5 baht bottle of water on them in (semi) revenge. I assure you, it was no comparison.
