Thailand, January 2024
Day 4: Chiang Mai
Hard to explain how I felt today. Excitment. Fear. Disappointment. Underwhelmed.
As I flew into Chiang Mai this morning, the scenery from the air took my breath away. Rolling hills and rivers of water continued as far as the eye could see. And my boutique hotel was not only gorgeous but the employees were so nice and accommodating, letting me check in early to get ready for my city tour of Chiang Mai.
First, lunch at a place that Gordon Ramsey frequented. It was delicious. Northern Thai Curry Noddles with fish, chicken satay with peanut sauce, and pork curry (eh, not so much). Followed with coconut ice cream. I would definitely want to eat there again.
After lunch, we drove to the Mae Taeng district to see Bua Thong Waterfall aka the Sticky Waterfall. My guide wanted me to climb down the waterfall which because of its mineral composition, the rocks are not slippery but instead are sticky. But I couldn’t do it. I was afraid of falling, getting hurt. I’m beating myself up about it because kids were doing it, a man carrying a baby was doing it. Yet I couldn’t force myself to climb the 350M.
Disappointed in myself, we headed to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a pagoda that honors both Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Sitting on the Doi Suthep Mountain, views for miles of Chiang Mai were promised. And for many Thai people, it represents a pilgrimage.
Normally churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques inspire me. They give me goose bumps at the reverence paid to them. And this hollowed site should have been no different.
Yet I felt underwhelmed. Uninspired. Disappointed. Perhaps it was the gold foil painted pagoda that towered in the air for 80ft. Or it was the city views that looked like any other city. Maybe it was the monks which seemed to be on display. Or all the relics brought by people or the scaffolding in place which took away from the historical significance of the place. Whatever it was, I couldn’t find the peace that I normally find in religious places.
Tomorrow, Chiang Rai.
Day 5: Chiang Rai
WOW!! The only words I could use to describe the gorgeous White Temple. There is so much to say about its symbolism, from the golden bathrooms to the bridge of "the cycle of rebirth" to the Gate to Heaven to murals proclaiming death and demons. It was stunning and I only wish I could have taken more photos to cement the visuals in my brain.
After the golden temple, we had Thai for lunch. That basil chicken and chicken and cashew is one of my favs. Interestingly, the Chinese go to Thailand to eat because they say the food is more flavorful there. I had never thought about it but I think that is true as well.
Finally, we went to the Golden Triangle. An area of water that borders Laos, Burma, and Thailand along the Mekong River. The Chinese have bought up all the river front property in Laos and built casinos and hotels. It’s quite developed. But the Thai people won’t allow it. As a result, the Thai side reminds me of the American side of Niagara Falls, underdeveloped. However, what is striking is the Chinese and Laotian people take boats (50 baht per person per ride) to Thailand to shop. They even pay the higher taxes in Thailand, simply because the products are better. Then in large ships, product is carried back across the river. I hope the Thai people are able to hold off the Chinese as the Laotian kip is now valueless and Laotian people can only find labor jobs (not managerial) in their own country, as a result of Chinese ownership.
Check out my IG for a short clip of the boat ride through the Golden Triangle.
Tomorrow: an elephant sanctuary.
Day 6: Chiang Mai
One of the highlights of this trip was going to an elephant sanctuary. These sanctuaries are protecting elephants that were previously used in shows and for rides. Once an elephant has been domesticated, it can’t go back to the wild, so these sanctuaries are a way to protect them.
A small group of us spent the day preparing the elephants’ food, cutting sugar cane for them to eat, making rice and banana balls, feeding and bathing them. It was a once in a lifetime experience.
Then New Year’s Eve! I can’t believe I almost stayed in as I have been a little intimated by the night time bustle of this ares but I’m so glad that my new friends convinced me to go to the old town center. Thousands of people were lighting lanterns, dancing to the music, and having a great time. And then the fireworks at midnight. I don’t think I will ever spend another NY Eve at home again.
I hope all my friends and family have a great night tonight celebrating. A big-hearted wish to those extra-special people in my life and especially to Scott, Sophia, and Henry, please be safe and know that I wish you were here. I you all.
Be sure to go to my IG page to see me giving these gentle giants a bath.