Friday, March 12, 2010

Chiang Mai to Rai

March 11, 2010

With the motorbike still at our disposal we decided to ride it up to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, up in the hills near Chiang Mai. It was about a 45 minute ride up a steep, windy road, through some more nature like terrain. It was fantastic, wind blowing in our faces and some nice cool fresh air. The bike had a little trouble with the low end torque, but we made it up slow and steady.

The Wat at the top of the hill was pretty interesting, with a 300 step entrance, but altogether the serenity was wrecked due to all the noisy construction going on around the temple.

We got back on the bike and rode off to the bus station across the city to buy our tickets for Chiang Rai that evening. We were directed to the super highway, which was a bit intense since our bike didn't get faster than 60 km/hr and all the cars were zipping past us. We chilled on the shoulder like the rest of the mopeds and got there slowly but surely.

After getting back to the Old City, we ate at a tasty restaurant we had read about. I had some traditional Northern Thai beef curry stew with egg and crispy noodles and plenty of pickled garnish. Very Tasty. I also tried a Chrysanthemum juice, and nearly had to spit it out as it seemed to be simply overly sugared water. Not so tasty.

We then reluctantly returned Big Red, and after say our farewells headed back to the hotel for some packing and relaxation.

Our bus was scheduled to leave Chiang Mai at 5:00 at to our surprise actually left at the advertised time. For 160 Bhat a person the bus was pretty comfy, with AC, a TV playing some goofy Thai sitcoms, some light refreshments, and a very nice Stewardess was extremely eager to make everyone comfortable.

The bus arrived in Chiang Rai about 20 minutes early and cousin Danny was already at the station waiting. This is some Thai punctuality that we have yet to see in our adventures!

We loaded into Danny and Lisa's sporty little Toyota and made way to the "Big Brown House." On the way Danny gave us a bit of a tour of Chiang Rai, but it was a little hard to see since it was already dark out.

As we pulled into the driveway Lisa was waiting for us, and showed us around their house, introduced us to the dogs, and whipped us up some dinner Boot had prepared for us. We also were introduced to Danny's old friend Blue who is also staying with them, and knows this area and it's people very well. What a welcome!

The house is amazing with high ceilings, large doors, tons of beautiful art (but of course since much of it is Lisa's work), and a lot of thai essentials (lots of buddhas, and a couple pictures of the king). The backyard is very large, with a cool funky shaped swimming pool, a bunch of young trees, and a waterfall. I absolutely love it.

As for the most important part, the dogs are extremely cute and fun. It took a while for Bam Bam (a 1 and half year old medium size furball) to warm up to me, but since she has all she wants to do is be pet and shake my hand. Too fun. Daku (a 1 year old golden retreiver) didn't even wait to be introduced until he showered me with affection. He is big, a bit clumsy, excited, and way too much fun.

Our room here trumps any of the hotel rooms so far, especially since this room actually has a window, let alone the fact that is opens out to the backyard.

We have both been looking forward to this part of our trip for a long time as it will give us some insight to how people actually live here in Thailand. It has been wonderful of Danny and Lisa to take us in, and share with us what they have learned out here.

Tomorrow we go to the Golden Triangle and see a group of hill tribes with Danny and Blue. Very Exciting.

Emma's turn:

After spending only a day in Chiang Mai we're feeling a bit of regret that we didn't leave Bangkok a bit sooner. There is so much more to see, but we've worked pretty hard to fit in what we can in the time we have.

This morning, we woke up and hopped on the moped. The ride up to Doi Suthep took about 45 minutes and was pretty amazing. The road winds up the side of the hill, giving you a smoggy, but incredible view of the city as you climb toward the temple. There was a moment where the hill got particularly steep and we wondered whether the bike would make it to the top, but our little engine that could just made it.

The temple is beautiful, but I really, really hate construction and was therefore I little off-put by the loud drilling and jackhammering. Even so, a worthwhile trip.

After braving the super highway, securing our place on the air-conditioned bus to Chiang Rai, and having tasty lunch, we packed up and headed out.

The bus ride was comfortable and easy, although the cavalier driving style did cause some worry as we careened around long curves, breezing by other cars and passing motorcyclists. We arrived in Chiang Rai early (quite a surprise) and were greeted at the bus station by Sam's cousin Danny.

Back at the house, I met Danny's wife Lisa, his old friend Blue, and their dogs. Danny, Lisa, and Blue have been so kind to us, and I feel very lucky to be able to pick their brains about the area, Thai customs, and their travels. We've also been able to see some of Lisa's artwork which decorates the house and adds to the other beautiful decorations they have around. She uses a technique I've never seen before to make cast acrylic collages. Recently, she's been using Hubble images as part of her work. Very cool stuff.

Tomorrow, Danny and Blue are going to take us to a mixed hill tribe village and to the Golden Triangle. Both of them have lived in Thailand for a long time, and we're very fortunate to have them as tour guides for our stay.

I am also completely ecstatic to be hanging out with some healthy, happy pooches. Their dogs are so fun, and different from the street dogs we've seen in the big cities that look hungry and lonely. Long story short, things are good in Chiang Rai.

No comments:

Post a Comment