Failures

Hi,

We spent the better part of the weekend in Chiang Mai. There was walking, shopping, and an unplanned Tuk-Tuk ride.

Well, our weekend song was an early one from Neil Diamond. "Solitary Man" should have been on your mind. Now it's time for 'Easy Monday' and this one should be a snap. "Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans, way back up in the woods among the evergreens, there stood a country cabin made of earth and wood, where lives a country boy named __ __ __ ..." Hint: It's a name and if you're real good, I might even have more clues tomorrow. (Ha)

Saturday morning we got up bright and early (what else?) and packed our bag for a trip to Chiang Mai. We had two main goals for the trip. Lisa wanted to see the ballet class that her little group takes every week, just to see what they're learning, and I wanted to get a special treatment from our friend Ten, since I'd been having trouble with one of my knees.

The ride down was very nice. We found a new spot on the highway for coffee. They also had some delicious rice cakes that we had to force ourselves to stop eating. We were the only patrons in the place and it was relaxing. Back on the road we enjoyed what may be the last of the vivid shades of green before the dry seasons turns everything brown. The mini jungles in the mountain passes were a sight to behold.

We stayed at a different hotel this time and it was a step up from our usual hang-out. The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel has an English speaking staff, two pools and a dining room that serves a breakfast buffet with tons of choices. Our room was smaller than we usually have, but it was set up quite well. There was a little problem with the internet connection but it really didn't matter because we weren't in the room that much. Plus the fact that we don't get much mail on the weekends anyway. (hint)

We started out with an adventure at The Airport Central, the largest shopping center in the city. We end up there every time we visit Chiang Rai and we're still learning the place. We'd never been there on a Saturday and it was amazing to see so many people buzzing around the place. There was a big talent contest on an outdoor stage, with singers, dancers and rappers all wanting 'To Be The One'. That was the name of the contest. Inside, there was what could best be called a 'Little Princess' competition. Oh my.

Late in the afternoon Lisa got picked up at the hotel by one of the ballet mothers and they went to the studio to watch a class. I stayed at the hotel and just relaxed. After she returned we went back to Central for dinner. We ended up eating at a Sizzler. Yep, the same Sizzler. We ordered an old favorite, the Habachi chicken. As soon as I took my first bite I realized this was not my Culver City Sizzler. It was spicy! After removing much of the sauce I enjoyed my meal. Another reminder that we're in amazing Thailand. After dinner we went to the Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai style. Although the goods being offered seemed to be repeated for blocks and blocks, we did find some beautiful silk items and almost bought a carving of two elephants set in piece of wood.

Well, that's the first day of our trip. I'll continue with the rest tomorrow.

Have a Great Week.

Peace,
Danny

"The wisest person is not the one who has the fewest failures,
but the one who turns failures to best account."
~Richard R. Grant

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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