15 January 2015

Sundry Chiang Mai Travel Tips




It is easy to begin speaking in superlatives when you visit Chiang Mai in January. The air is clear (if you get there before the burning starts), the sun is warm, the sky is blue, the trees and flowers are vibrant and the temperature is a balmy 26C/80F on average. Unfortunately, it's no secret how lovely it is here and a short walk around the old town will have you craving a few less tourists. Fortunately, through having a local friend and some good tips I pass on a few ideas to get off the beaten path, save some money, and/or find some peaceful beauty.

A practical tip first off: The Promenada Resort Mall on the east/southeast side of town offers a free, yes, free shuttle every hour to the Thapae Gate. If you happen to be staying outside of the main area, or you want to visit a big mall, or you just get dropped off there by a friend it is a useful and nice service. The Song Taow was clean and there was no catch. I rode it in and then, a couple hours later, rode it back (the stop near the gate is the Amora Thapae Hotel). It stops on the way back at two other places, one of which is near the night bazaar. At the weekend it runs all the way until 22.58. So if you're looking to save some taxi fare and your trajectory includes theirs, it is worth a look.

Near to Chiang Mai is the Ratchaphruek Garden Park, a large (200 acres) garden with a myriad of smaller areas ranging from orchid houses to lotus ponds. You can walk for hours and still not see everything. It is only 100Baht to get in (for foreign tourists) and if you go early enough (as many Thai do to exercise) it is even free. Arriving by 9 or 10 in the morning you beat the crowds and can enjoy the peaceful surroundings. More information.

Souvenirs are often on the mind in Thailand, and one small side-street in the old town holds a hidden gem. Dor-Dek is an organization committed to rescuing street children and educating and employing them. Their prices are reasonable, their items are cute, and you are supporting a good cause. To get there, simply head directly west from Thaphae Gate and keep following the main street until the intersection with Rachaphakhina Rd (WaWeecoffee and Yamaha on opposite corners). Take a left on this road and turn right on the first little side street. It is a building or two in on the right.

Waterfalls dance in abundance in the hills surrounding Chiang Mai, but if you are willing to go a bit further out of town there is one worth the drive. Bua Tong Waterfall is north/northeast of the city about 40km. The stream cascades down level after level of polished limestone, which in most places is not slippery. Take off your shoes and enjoy a climb up the rocks. Steeper/slippery spots often have ropes to assist. This can get crowded on the weekend or when it's hot. Try a quiet weekday. No charge and there are bathrooms and concessions at the parking area. Location.

Chiang Mai is beautiful. I enjoyed my stay and I hope you will as well. Feel free to add any tips you know of to my list!

08 January 2015

echoes

behind the crumbling stones lay a king
regal air in spite of a decaying facade
gazing beyond the melee of aliens
besieged by locals scrambling for silver
caught between graves robbed and
simply trying to make ends meet
camels rise and fall in endless servitude
slaves to the whim of cruel or kind masters
warding off the sands of time
beyond the still stones resisting oblivion
swarms of buildings rise piling one on
another with windows unfinished
cars honking and jostling for advantage
life in all its sordid glory gasps, fights
holding on to the whisper of a hope
past days of splendor yet to come


03 January 2015

Dartmoor

sometimes loneliness is a gift
when the world slows down
quiets long enough to listen
when I am forced to talk to the only One
there
the only One who always listens
behind the worlds He waits
when I run out
when nothing distracts
I start to listen too and to
these hilly rugged moments
where grasses crushed by wind
by rain, by foot and hoof
still embrace the sunshine
turning blades toward the southern sea
pause
finding when feeling most forsaken
I am never alone
so I lower my face to the storm
a thousand droplets like daggers
one foot at a time
when the path runs out
I step from soggy hillock over marsh
looking beyond
finding hopeful sights ahead
keeping the end in sight
one
sometimes loneliness is a gift
when my Beloved speaks
I ache to hear His voice
so I wait here awhile