Chapter 13
Day 14
Chiang Mai
It was the first day in this city that I left unplanned. My only idea was to go and see a temple of which I've found some pictures on internet and it looked interesting, but beside this, the day was a blank page waiting to be written. The only note, was “Wat Chedi Yod, North of the city, along the motorway”.
I woke up that it was quite late for me. It was about 9.00 and I was after a nice restoring night. I got dressed, took my bag and left the place.
Downstairs there were the day-shift crazy girls that screamed me “Helllloooo! You sleep looooong!”, yes, I slept long. I gave them the room key and I left the place.
I walked down the street without any rush. That day I was wearing again my beloved sandals and the trouble of the day before was just a memory.
Along the street I could hear the screams of kids coming from the school nearby, as probably, they were having a break. I always wondered what Thai kids take with them at school for a snack. I should ask it to somebody, sometime.
I made my way along the moat, passed by many of those bars which are open until late, which were just opening. I think that the opening of these bars has a typical smell. A smell that I don't like. If I should describe it, I'd say that the picture is always the same, sleepy girls cleaning the tables with some artificial-flowery scented spray, young boys delivering crates of beers and that basic smell. A smell of old cigarette smoke and tequila. I don't know if the bars smell of tequila or is the tequila that smells like spilled and dried spirits, but it's the smell that I sense in such places.
I crossed the Tha Phae square, I went through the Tha Pae gate, and I went up to the centre of the city. Here was my first stop. I had to stop for breakfast at my dear Black Canyon Coffee. It was a nice and sunny day, and I had to start it with a nice Latte and eggs, so, which best place than Black Canyon Coffee? I entered it, and I sat next to a window. I enjoyed the view on the street, but then, unluckily, some fat tourist crushed on the chairs on the balcony just outside my window. It was so terrible to see their fat backs and sweat soaked shirts.
I had my nice breakfast with extra biscuits kindly offered by the Black Canyon Coffee, and when I finished it, I was on the roads again. I went up the street, heading toward the Wat Phra Singh. Along the way, I browsed the massage parlors in a way to find the one that offered the best deal. I wished to have, this afternoon, a nice and long Thai massage, but at cheap price too. I know that, just close by there was the Oasis Spa, but it only covers the first part of my idea, as they give such a wonderful massages in such a gorgeous environment, but their prices are quite scary. Going up the street I found a couple of places that looked interesting, but later I just discovered that they were both of the same brand, the Lily Massage.
I kept on my path until I arrived at the Wat Phra Singh, the main temple of the city. I crossed the street and I entered the boundaries of temple. Many people were around, most of them were Thai with some curious tourist too. It looked that the temple was going through the preparation for the Loy Krathong festival. I was there, in that joyful crowd of people that were wandering around the temple, when I took out the small camera from my pocket and I tried to take a picture. I turned it on, and something happened. A black band was covering the high-right corner of the screen. I turned the camera and looked at what happened. It looked like the metal of the zoom had been crushed toward the inside of the camera, perhaps I've hit something and I didn't notice it. The covers of the lens, now got stuck and couldn't slide anymore in either sides. That was very bad. I had to find a way to fix it. I first tried to pull the metal with my fingernail, but I couldn't, I needed something like a blade or a tiny screwdriver. I placed the camera back into its place and I took out the bigger one, hoping to come back later with the fixed small camera in a way to shoot an HD movie and take some wide-angle picture too.
I went to the entrance of the first temple, but it was very crowded, so I decided to come back later. While there, a boy called my attention. He asked me where I was from and I said “Italy”. He said “Ohne momen...” and browsed into a booklet that he had in hand. I guessed that he had written some of those phrases good for impress the Farangs, like “Ciao, come ti chiami?” (Hello, what's your name?), but then, he gave me the open booklet. I looked at it and there was written a sort of review form some supposedly Italian tourists in which, in Italian, they suggested to take the boy as a tour guide. The boy asked how long I've been in Chiang Mai, and I answered “It's my third time, for a total of over 3 months”. He looked and me, turned his back and went toward a fat middle-aged couple to which he asked again “Hellow, whew ah-e youu fh-omm?”, they replied “USA” and the boy “Ohne momen...” and started to browse his booklet again. I guess that in every page he had a review in every language.
I left the Wat Phra Singh and I went Northward, on the side of the street with more shops. I checked them all hoping to find a screwdriver, but I couldn't. In the end, I arrived at one of the northern gates and I crossed it. I went outside the moat.
I woke up that it was quite late for me. It was about 9.00 and I was after a nice restoring night. I got dressed, took my bag and left the place.
Downstairs there were the day-shift crazy girls that screamed me “Helllloooo! You sleep looooong!”, yes, I slept long. I gave them the room key and I left the place.
I walked down the street without any rush. That day I was wearing again my beloved sandals and the trouble of the day before was just a memory.
Along the street I could hear the screams of kids coming from the school nearby, as probably, they were having a break. I always wondered what Thai kids take with them at school for a snack. I should ask it to somebody, sometime.
I made my way along the moat, passed by many of those bars which are open until late, which were just opening. I think that the opening of these bars has a typical smell. A smell that I don't like. If I should describe it, I'd say that the picture is always the same, sleepy girls cleaning the tables with some artificial-flowery scented spray, young boys delivering crates of beers and that basic smell. A smell of old cigarette smoke and tequila. I don't know if the bars smell of tequila or is the tequila that smells like spilled and dried spirits, but it's the smell that I sense in such places.
I crossed the Tha Phae square, I went through the Tha Pae gate, and I went up to the centre of the city. Here was my first stop. I had to stop for breakfast at my dear Black Canyon Coffee. It was a nice and sunny day, and I had to start it with a nice Latte and eggs, so, which best place than Black Canyon Coffee? I entered it, and I sat next to a window. I enjoyed the view on the street, but then, unluckily, some fat tourist crushed on the chairs on the balcony just outside my window. It was so terrible to see their fat backs and sweat soaked shirts.
I had my nice breakfast with extra biscuits kindly offered by the Black Canyon Coffee, and when I finished it, I was on the roads again. I went up the street, heading toward the Wat Phra Singh. Along the way, I browsed the massage parlors in a way to find the one that offered the best deal. I wished to have, this afternoon, a nice and long Thai massage, but at cheap price too. I know that, just close by there was the Oasis Spa, but it only covers the first part of my idea, as they give such a wonderful massages in such a gorgeous environment, but their prices are quite scary. Going up the street I found a couple of places that looked interesting, but later I just discovered that they were both of the same brand, the Lily Massage.
I kept on my path until I arrived at the Wat Phra Singh, the main temple of the city. I crossed the street and I entered the boundaries of temple. Many people were around, most of them were Thai with some curious tourist too. It looked that the temple was going through the preparation for the Loy Krathong festival. I was there, in that joyful crowd of people that were wandering around the temple, when I took out the small camera from my pocket and I tried to take a picture. I turned it on, and something happened. A black band was covering the high-right corner of the screen. I turned the camera and looked at what happened. It looked like the metal of the zoom had been crushed toward the inside of the camera, perhaps I've hit something and I didn't notice it. The covers of the lens, now got stuck and couldn't slide anymore in either sides. That was very bad. I had to find a way to fix it. I first tried to pull the metal with my fingernail, but I couldn't, I needed something like a blade or a tiny screwdriver. I placed the camera back into its place and I took out the bigger one, hoping to come back later with the fixed small camera in a way to shoot an HD movie and take some wide-angle picture too.
I went to the entrance of the first temple, but it was very crowded, so I decided to come back later. While there, a boy called my attention. He asked me where I was from and I said “Italy”. He said “Ohne momen...” and browsed into a booklet that he had in hand. I guessed that he had written some of those phrases good for impress the Farangs, like “Ciao, come ti chiami?” (Hello, what's your name?), but then, he gave me the open booklet. I looked at it and there was written a sort of review form some supposedly Italian tourists in which, in Italian, they suggested to take the boy as a tour guide. The boy asked how long I've been in Chiang Mai, and I answered “It's my third time, for a total of over 3 months”. He looked and me, turned his back and went toward a fat middle-aged couple to which he asked again “Hellow, whew ah-e youu fh-omm?”, they replied “USA” and the boy “Ohne momen...” and started to browse his booklet again. I guess that in every page he had a review in every language.
I left the Wat Phra Singh and I went Northward, on the side of the street with more shops. I checked them all hoping to find a screwdriver, but I couldn't. In the end, I arrived at one of the northern gates and I crossed it. I went outside the moat.
Wat Chedi Yod
In this part of the town, the city changes her face. From the low colored houses, it changes in bigger buildings, hotels and stores.
I went down the street and then I found myself before a store which was selling hardware and spare computer parts. I entered it and I browsed the computer parts, looking for anything interesting. Damn, all was interesting. It looks like that in Thailand people can fix their own computer easily buying spare parts in stores like these. Inside the mall there were many small shops and stalls selling electronic parts, modding pieces, full computers, cameras and anything else connected with electronic. I checked at the prices, and while the spare parts were quite cheap, other things like USB flash drives had the same price than in Italy, that means, very expensive for Thai people.
I didn't find anything useful there, so I went out of this store and I went to the other bigger shop, still in the same building. This store was selling mostly washing machines, TVs, power tools, normal tools and then gardening equipment. I browsed the “normal tools” section and there I found two screwdrivers that could be useful. One was a multi screwdriver, while the other was a foldable screwdriver with some tips good for the new star screws for computers. I bought them both.
First thing, I went outside, I sat on a bench, and hoping to not worsen the status of my camera, I tried to fix it. I said “Please Lord Buddha, let me fix it!”. I took the screwdriver with the tiniest tip and I placed under the metal of the camera. I pushed it to the outside and I heard a “click”. The small blades of the lens covers were back at their original place. By good luck. After my treatment, the metal looked a little twisted and I seen the price of the camera, if I wished to resell it, to drop down deeply, but I've had no other choice. I wished that Canon could make that metal a little thicker.
I left the stores and I went first eastward until I reached the corner of the moat, then I followed what looked like a motorway and at the first intersection, I turned right, again northward. The intersection was already outside Chiang Mai as a blue signal said that I was entering a place called Rin Kham and from this point, the main road followed a small water channel. Along the way there were some hotels and some small bars. The sun was scorching and the noise of the cars was overwhelming. The bright light on the light colored stones made everything looking whitish. While going in that direction, I wondered who was the fool that would take an hotel in such a place. While I was there, a large group of Asians, that looked like Japanese were going out of their hotel and up their couch. I had my answer. Along the way, I also found some coins, and I said “Thanks Buddha for letting me fix the camera, I'll give these coins at the temple”.
I kept my way up the road and I guessed that soon I should arrive at the Wat Chedi Yod. As expected the temple was after a crossing that I marked on my map. As I arrived there I've seen the board with written in golden letters “Wat Chedi Yod”. I found it.
I entered the temple, which looked quite deserted. I guess that most of the people were Thai as I didn't meet more than 5-6 foreigners there.
The first two temples were quite normal Thai temples, but the best was a little further. In fact, the main part is a temple which is a rectangular solid building of bricks with many statues carved on the two long walls, while in the short walls there are the entrances of two rooms where are sheltered two beautiful statues of Lord Buddha. On the top of the temple there are some Stupas, one big and few smaller ones. One big Stupa surrounded by smaller ones, again the symbol of the Mountain Meru, like in Angkor. She definitely reminded me of Angkor. It might sound like a blasphemy to compare her with Angkor, but the carvings and the elaborate structure, although small, gave me an Angkorian shiver.
Behind the temple there is a line of old Stupas, quite well preserved and worth the visit with the previous temple. The sun was shining hard, and I found shelter under some huge tree. I kept on glancing both the Stupas and the other temple, and I couldn't stop doing it.
Watch left, the temple, watch right, the Stupas, watch left, the temple, watch right, the Stupas, and going on like this.
I decided that it was time to visit the rest of the boundaries of the temple, so, I followed the line of the Stupas and I kept on that way. Some old wall was every now and then. Near every Stupa and temple there were boards showing details of the year in which they were built.
I circled the temples and Stupas a little longer, here I met a young traveler, a blond lightly bearded English speaking guy. We spoke a few words about the beauty of the place. In fact, what made me like this place was the fact that there were almost no tourists around, and Asians were going there to pray. No crowds of curious people like in the Wat Phra Singh, not even the faith excess like in the Wat Doi Suthep. No, here was the kingdom of the quiet, where people had their intimate prayers with Lord Buddha.
I wished a good continuation to Mr. Young Bearded and I went on the opposite side of the first temple. Here I met a girl that was praying. Of course, I didn't go to disturb her.
This side of the temple was slightly darker than the opposite one, like to remind the duality of the nature of the spirituality. This side of the temple, which looks like being the one that calls more worshipers, is equipped with a sort of an altar where believers bring candles, incense, flowers and surprisingly also small statues resembling snakes. Some in what looked like chalk, others made of stone, some others made of flowers. Snake looking garlands. Was it connected with the Nagas? Or another meaning was behind of it? Still I couldn't disturb the praying girl to ask her these questions.
I wandered around the temple a little longer, and then I went the way back to the city. The Wat Chedi Yod had been a very nice discovery, worth to be suggested to some friend traveling by this area.
The way toward the city was a little harder than the way I did before. In fact, now it was in the full heat of the day and the sun was shining straight on my face. I went all the way back, wearing my hat and sunglasses, I still felt the sun burning on my skin. The cars were running so fast and so close to me, and the smell of the exhaust gas polluted the air. Anyway, I had no other choice than make it in this way, and, surprisingly, it felt like lasting shorter than before.
I went down the street and then I found myself before a store which was selling hardware and spare computer parts. I entered it and I browsed the computer parts, looking for anything interesting. Damn, all was interesting. It looks like that in Thailand people can fix their own computer easily buying spare parts in stores like these. Inside the mall there were many small shops and stalls selling electronic parts, modding pieces, full computers, cameras and anything else connected with electronic. I checked at the prices, and while the spare parts were quite cheap, other things like USB flash drives had the same price than in Italy, that means, very expensive for Thai people.
I didn't find anything useful there, so I went out of this store and I went to the other bigger shop, still in the same building. This store was selling mostly washing machines, TVs, power tools, normal tools and then gardening equipment. I browsed the “normal tools” section and there I found two screwdrivers that could be useful. One was a multi screwdriver, while the other was a foldable screwdriver with some tips good for the new star screws for computers. I bought them both.
First thing, I went outside, I sat on a bench, and hoping to not worsen the status of my camera, I tried to fix it. I said “Please Lord Buddha, let me fix it!”. I took the screwdriver with the tiniest tip and I placed under the metal of the camera. I pushed it to the outside and I heard a “click”. The small blades of the lens covers were back at their original place. By good luck. After my treatment, the metal looked a little twisted and I seen the price of the camera, if I wished to resell it, to drop down deeply, but I've had no other choice. I wished that Canon could make that metal a little thicker.
I left the stores and I went first eastward until I reached the corner of the moat, then I followed what looked like a motorway and at the first intersection, I turned right, again northward. The intersection was already outside Chiang Mai as a blue signal said that I was entering a place called Rin Kham and from this point, the main road followed a small water channel. Along the way there were some hotels and some small bars. The sun was scorching and the noise of the cars was overwhelming. The bright light on the light colored stones made everything looking whitish. While going in that direction, I wondered who was the fool that would take an hotel in such a place. While I was there, a large group of Asians, that looked like Japanese were going out of their hotel and up their couch. I had my answer. Along the way, I also found some coins, and I said “Thanks Buddha for letting me fix the camera, I'll give these coins at the temple”.
I kept my way up the road and I guessed that soon I should arrive at the Wat Chedi Yod. As expected the temple was after a crossing that I marked on my map. As I arrived there I've seen the board with written in golden letters “Wat Chedi Yod”. I found it.
I entered the temple, which looked quite deserted. I guess that most of the people were Thai as I didn't meet more than 5-6 foreigners there.
The first two temples were quite normal Thai temples, but the best was a little further. In fact, the main part is a temple which is a rectangular solid building of bricks with many statues carved on the two long walls, while in the short walls there are the entrances of two rooms where are sheltered two beautiful statues of Lord Buddha. On the top of the temple there are some Stupas, one big and few smaller ones. One big Stupa surrounded by smaller ones, again the symbol of the Mountain Meru, like in Angkor. She definitely reminded me of Angkor. It might sound like a blasphemy to compare her with Angkor, but the carvings and the elaborate structure, although small, gave me an Angkorian shiver.
Behind the temple there is a line of old Stupas, quite well preserved and worth the visit with the previous temple. The sun was shining hard, and I found shelter under some huge tree. I kept on glancing both the Stupas and the other temple, and I couldn't stop doing it.
Watch left, the temple, watch right, the Stupas, watch left, the temple, watch right, the Stupas, and going on like this.
I decided that it was time to visit the rest of the boundaries of the temple, so, I followed the line of the Stupas and I kept on that way. Some old wall was every now and then. Near every Stupa and temple there were boards showing details of the year in which they were built.
I circled the temples and Stupas a little longer, here I met a young traveler, a blond lightly bearded English speaking guy. We spoke a few words about the beauty of the place. In fact, what made me like this place was the fact that there were almost no tourists around, and Asians were going there to pray. No crowds of curious people like in the Wat Phra Singh, not even the faith excess like in the Wat Doi Suthep. No, here was the kingdom of the quiet, where people had their intimate prayers with Lord Buddha.
I wished a good continuation to Mr. Young Bearded and I went on the opposite side of the first temple. Here I met a girl that was praying. Of course, I didn't go to disturb her.
This side of the temple was slightly darker than the opposite one, like to remind the duality of the nature of the spirituality. This side of the temple, which looks like being the one that calls more worshipers, is equipped with a sort of an altar where believers bring candles, incense, flowers and surprisingly also small statues resembling snakes. Some in what looked like chalk, others made of stone, some others made of flowers. Snake looking garlands. Was it connected with the Nagas? Or another meaning was behind of it? Still I couldn't disturb the praying girl to ask her these questions.
I wandered around the temple a little longer, and then I went the way back to the city. The Wat Chedi Yod had been a very nice discovery, worth to be suggested to some friend traveling by this area.
The way toward the city was a little harder than the way I did before. In fact, now it was in the full heat of the day and the sun was shining straight on my face. I went all the way back, wearing my hat and sunglasses, I still felt the sun burning on my skin. The cars were running so fast and so close to me, and the smell of the exhaust gas polluted the air. Anyway, I had no other choice than make it in this way, and, surprisingly, it felt like lasting shorter than before.
Central Plaza
Along the way I found a huge mall called Central Plaza on my side of the street. I was curious to know how a Thai mall might look like, so I entered it. The mall, which I discovered as being probably the biggest of the city, had many floors starting from a basement one, a ground floor and then up for many storeys. Beside this, it had also side branches still packed with shops. It was like a three-dimensional labyrinth. I entered it, and I noticed that it had both normal shop and stalls along the alleys. I went looking for some gift to take back home, and after having browsed some backpack, which I didn't buy, checked some shoes, that I didn't buy, in the end I bought a leather belt.
Now it was time to eat something, and I've seen that there was a restaurant in the basement floor and I decided to head for it. On the way down I decided to stop at Boot's to buy two things that I forgot to take from home, they were the Sunscreen (40 spf) and After-Sun cream. Both of them, some days later, revealed to be not very useful.
I went downstairs and I found the restaurant that I was looking for. It looked quite crappy. I turned on myself, and I seen that I was surrounded by restaurants, it was a lunch galore. Food in every direction. A lot of people eating there, mainly Thai. Finally, even if still much commercial, there was a place that didn't look too touristic. At least, an artificial not traditional quite globalized typically Thai mega mall eatery. I couldn't miss this experience. At least, I had to try it again, as I already did this experience in Bangkok, back in 2008. I had to refresh my memories.
I entered the one that looked the most as an employee canteen. It was Food Factory. It's a restaurant where you buy some vouchers and then you can stroll with your tray along some different stalls making food all around a sort of square equipped with tables and chairs. I bought my set of vouchers and I went to check around. Surprisingly, none of the stalls was making Pad Thai. In the end, my menu had been a dish with fried rice and few thick slices of boiled pork. As a drink I took a large glass of Pepsi. All the food was absolutely good. The fired rice, which had been dressed with the Pork gravy was very tasty, and the pork itself was very tasty, soft, with the right amount of salt and juicy. I ate it with pleasure and then I went to give back the voucher for my money. The lunch had cost me a little more than 1 Euro. I should be back there someday.
Now it was time to eat something, and I've seen that there was a restaurant in the basement floor and I decided to head for it. On the way down I decided to stop at Boot's to buy two things that I forgot to take from home, they were the Sunscreen (40 spf) and After-Sun cream. Both of them, some days later, revealed to be not very useful.
I went downstairs and I found the restaurant that I was looking for. It looked quite crappy. I turned on myself, and I seen that I was surrounded by restaurants, it was a lunch galore. Food in every direction. A lot of people eating there, mainly Thai. Finally, even if still much commercial, there was a place that didn't look too touristic. At least, an artificial not traditional quite globalized typically Thai mega mall eatery. I couldn't miss this experience. At least, I had to try it again, as I already did this experience in Bangkok, back in 2008. I had to refresh my memories.
I entered the one that looked the most as an employee canteen. It was Food Factory. It's a restaurant where you buy some vouchers and then you can stroll with your tray along some different stalls making food all around a sort of square equipped with tables and chairs. I bought my set of vouchers and I went to check around. Surprisingly, none of the stalls was making Pad Thai. In the end, my menu had been a dish with fried rice and few thick slices of boiled pork. As a drink I took a large glass of Pepsi. All the food was absolutely good. The fired rice, which had been dressed with the Pork gravy was very tasty, and the pork itself was very tasty, soft, with the right amount of salt and juicy. I ate it with pleasure and then I went to give back the voucher for my money. The lunch had cost me a little more than 1 Euro. I should be back there someday.
Wat Phra Singh
I left the mall and I made my stroll back to the center. I crossed again the gate and I went all the way back to the Wat Phra Singh. Now, with my camera which was back to fully operative, I entered the temple again. I had a tour of the main temple again, where I took many pictures. Like me, there were many other more or less professional photographers. Actually, the rate of tourists against worshipers was in large advantage for the first group. It was the opposite of the previous temple, and it was hard to take a picture without having some Farang standing up in your picture. On the way out of the temple I left into a offerings box the coins that I found on the street, just as I promised.
I went around the boundaries of the temple and I discovered that in the back of the same temple had been made a huge Krathong. I went to see it from close, and it was made like a boat, filled with many small Krathongs. A lady came close to me and told me that with 100 Baht I could buy a Krathong and place it inside of the boat, so I decided to do it too. I couldn't miss the chance, so I took the small Krathong and, as it was suggested, I wrote my name over it, leaving inside some of my hair and a piece of fingernail. Then, I placed it carefully in the boat, which would be taken to the river in the Loy Krathong night. The boat itself was almost full of the small Krathongs and as far as I've seen most of the names on the boast were written in Thai, but there was also a large amount of foreign names, as the wish of blessing belongs to everybody.
I went around the boundaries of the temple and I discovered that in the back of the same temple had been made a huge Krathong. I went to see it from close, and it was made like a boat, filled with many small Krathongs. A lady came close to me and told me that with 100 Baht I could buy a Krathong and place it inside of the boat, so I decided to do it too. I couldn't miss the chance, so I took the small Krathong and, as it was suggested, I wrote my name over it, leaving inside some of my hair and a piece of fingernail. Then, I placed it carefully in the boat, which would be taken to the river in the Loy Krathong night. The boat itself was almost full of the small Krathongs and as far as I've seen most of the names on the boast were written in Thai, but there was also a large amount of foreign names, as the wish of blessing belongs to everybody.
Loy Krathong
I left the beautiful temple with the wish to visit it again in future, and I went down the street, toward Tha Pae gate. Now I felt like the heat was overwhelming and I wanted some rest. I just had lunch and I didn't want to stick again to the Black Canyon Coffee, but I needed a massage. I already knew where to go, to Lili's. I went there but in the end I noticed a board in the following massage parlor that promised longer massage for cheaper price, so I took it. I entered the place that I was drenched. I ordered a Thai Massage and I was asked to wait, in the meantime I was taken a glass of tea. In my same waiting room there was a couple of Europeans which were having a foot spa and then were taken into a room for a double massage.
I was called to a room, which was a bathroom and I was asked to change my clothes into some dry and clean ones. The dirty ones could rest into a straws basket. I seen, after all that walking, how black were my feet and I felt the urge of washing them. Then I looked how I was sweat, so I took a full shower. Now I was clean and nicely smelling for my massage. I went out of the room and the girls took me back to the entrance, where I was asked to wait again. Then came to me a stocky man. I looked at him and he was holding in hand a basin and a towel. He introduced himself as my masseur. I greeted him and told me that it was time for my foot spa. I told him to be aware of the danger as I walked much that day, but he didn't understand the joke. The foot spa is something awesome, and the best that I had were all in Thailand. Perhaps are the flowers that they use, or their skill, I don't know, they are simply awesome. I could have them every day, maybe even twice at a day. It all begun when he started to massage my feet, as an explosion of pleasure went up, from my toes up to my head. In that moment I felt how long I missed the Thai massage, and that probably I've been very tired.
The next step was when he told me “You can stand up”, “Ah... Yawn... Lready?” that was my answer. It was too good to have my tired feet in that hot water to leave. So soon.
I was taken to a massage bed on the side of the corridor, which was sheltered from the waiting room only by a thick curtain. I left my backpack between the bed and the wall. Then, the massage started, first my back and then the front. I only remember when it started and that in a few seconds I fell asleep, then like in a dream I was asked to turn around. Later I was woken up when I had to finish the massage from a sitting position. I slept an hour straight. I couldn't believe it, it had been so relaxing and all my muscles were rid of any tension. That guy had worked a magic.
The worst part was to take off my nice massage clothes and to wear the still sweated clothes, as with the air conditioning they became very cold. I left the place that I looked like under sedation. I was walking down the street, half sleeping, half awaken and fully smiling. I needed to get up. And which better way than Black Canyon Coffee? I entered the shop and Pui welcomed me. She asked me if I wanted a Black Coffee, but I told her that I wished an Ice Latte. She scribbled the order on her notepad and vanished behind the counter. In the meanwhile I logged into the Wifi to check what was going on back home. By good luck, nobody wrote to me. I felt relieved. On Facebook was totally a different story. I had messages, notification and Kaleema had found me. She wrote me if I wished to join her and her friends the following night for the main Loy Krathong parade. I told that it'd be very happy and that I'd buy some fireworks too.
My next step was to go to the square in front of Tha Pae Gate and I strolled there near as I needed to find an Internet Point. The same morning I tried to enter one, but it was still closed, so I tried it again. It was open. I entered and I asked for a computer with a printer. In fact, I had to print my electronic tickets for Airasia. They became available only a week before the flights and I checked if they had all those of my next flights, and by good luck, they were already ready.
I went back to my hotel. I needed to take a new shower, backup my pictures and change clothes. Not compulsory in this order of actions. As I entered the hotel I've met the crazy hotel desk girls and we started to talk about some nonsense and the Loy Krathong, so they told me that the same night they'd leave to take their Krathongs in the river, and they asked me if I wanted to join them. Yes, of course, I always like to party with native people. The appointment was scheduled for 21.00 when they'd leave the day shift. For me it was fine, so I could go and take some food first.
I entered my room, I turned the TV on a music channel and I started with all the things that I wished to do, then, after the shower, the time warped again. A moment before was 17.00 and a moment later was already past 19.00. No, I just fell asleep on my bed.
This time I was going to the Loy Krathong, so I decided to dress properly, with blue trousers, a striped shirt, perfume, and gel in my hair. I went out of the hotel, promising to be back in time.
“Don't be late!” they told me
“I'm always in time... Never late!” I lied. I'm such a liar on these things. They didn't know that I'm a professional on being late.
This night I went back to the Anusan Market to eat, but I changed the restaurant. The one of the previous night had been crossed off my list. This time entered into another restaurant where I hadn't been before and I took a dish of fried rice with seafood with a Chang Beer.
The black sky was already starting to be filled with the red dots of the flying lanterns and fireworks. It was time to go and take the girls. So, I paid my bill and I went back to the hotel.
Nam had already changed and she was waiting for the other, which told me her name but I never understood it. It wasn't a name, but a sound. A sound that only she and maybe some bird or some seaborn species can pronounce. Too easy to be forgotten.
We went down the street again and to the Ping river. Now the sky was turning red for the number of lanterns and lightened up by the explosions of fireworks. The continuous drum of the same fireworks was pounding in the air like some sort of a joyful artillery.
I was walking down the street chatting with Nam and the girl without a name, while I heard somebody screaming “Hey!”, I turned as I felt like it was addressed to me. I turned around, and I found myself at a meter from the smiling face of Mr. Tour Guide from the trekking trip. He was smiling like a crazy. Looked like his smile was going from an hear to the other. He was with his wife and children. It was in that moment.
Yes, the moment. A shiver. An emotion that I didn't feel for such a long time abroad.
When he was introducing me his wife and I was with my friends, I felt like I was again part of something. I wasn't anymore a farang face passing by the background of Thailand. I was there. And I had somebody that cared to call me to say “Hello” to me. It was a real emotion, touching, unforgettable and dressed of the cheer of the Loy Krathong.
At the beginning of the bridge on the Ping river there was a party. A large crowd of people was in the street, moving like streams in an ocean of people. On my right a small Theme Park with a stage and some stalls. The smell of incense, the sound of happy music, colorful flowers, happy people, the smell of both cotton candy and grilled skewers. It was all in a single mass-empathic happiness. The Loy Krathong was laying her silky dream robes on us, blowing in our hears, tickling our noses and flowing into us.
Nam was keeping on saying things but I could barely hear her. The other was just emitting sounds. Then we arrived to the river where we went to set “our” Krathong afloat. To make it mine too, I placed on the Krathong some coins too. Then we went on a bamboo bridge, that was scarily shaking and we lighted our incense, the candles, they prayed and I set the Krathong in the stream of water. It didn't sink, didn't capsize and went quietly downstream. The three of us waved our hands to the krathong and then we left the banks of the river. Many other people were waiting to put their krathongs in water.
First thing, we crossed the bridge to see if there was any party there, but there were only people with fireworks and krathongs, so we came back and went to the small Theme Park.
Here we stopped at the stalls and we bought a snack. First some skewers of meatballs, and then Nam told me, seeing that I told her that I liked the fried crickets, that I had to try something different. She went to an Omelet selling stall, and she ordered two Omelets filled with Ant Larvae. While waiting I finished my skewers and then the Omelet was ready. We cheered and we started our Omelets. The Omelet in the beginning tasted simply of Omelet, but when I reached the Larvae I could feel a very light taste of formic acid, but not so strong as it was covered by the egg flavor. They were good, but I think that if they, the Thais, would try the same recipe but with the Bee Larvae, they'd discover a Omelet with a more delicate taste. I liked it, it was definitely much better than I thought. Of course, when I'll be back in Thailand, I could take it again.
After the snack we had just one more stroll at the Theme Park and then we had to part our ways, but it was still too early. I went back to the hotel, but I stopped at one of my favorite bars to have one more beer. While there, a boy of the staff, clearly all but straight, went outside jumping like a fool. He came back with a box of fried crickets. He asked me if I wanted some and I said “Sure, I love them!”. This was the key that made me a sort of best guest of the night. Football, fried crickets and beer. Cool.
When I left I was called back. It was midnight and they were pretending to be closing as Police was passing by. They had a flying lantern and they asked if I wished to make it fly with them. Of course I'd like. I helped them to keep it as Mr. Fried Crickets Eating Boy lighted it up. It took some time to get ready and then, with a coordination that you can't even find in the Hong Kong International Airport we screamed “3 - Saam, 2 - Song, 1 – Neung, Fly!” and at the unison we left the lantern to fly. It was a real emotion to see it fly. We waved our hands at the lantern that was flying away taking to Lord Buddha our wishes.
“You know, it's dangerous!” a girl said
“What?”
“The baloons! Velly dangerous...”
“They fall on the head of people?” I replied
“No, sometime... We close the airport! The lanterns fly... Velly high! Airplanes can't fly!”
“You're making fool of me? You Ting-Tong! Khun Ting-Tong! Ah-ah-ah!” this was my answer.
She just replied with a “Noooo! Is true!”
It sounded almost like an urban legend, but maybe in the nights of peak of the lanterns, it could be real. But it looked “plausible but with a remote chance to happen”. I made some sarcasm on joking what would mean if a Loy Krathong hot air balloon for Good Luck would take a plane down. Sometime my sarcasm is inappropriate. Definitely.
I left the bar and I went to my hotel. It was again past midnight. By good luck, I didn't plan more day trips for the next day.
Dear Chiang Mai, you're always surprising.
What will you save for me for tomorrow?
I was called to a room, which was a bathroom and I was asked to change my clothes into some dry and clean ones. The dirty ones could rest into a straws basket. I seen, after all that walking, how black were my feet and I felt the urge of washing them. Then I looked how I was sweat, so I took a full shower. Now I was clean and nicely smelling for my massage. I went out of the room and the girls took me back to the entrance, where I was asked to wait again. Then came to me a stocky man. I looked at him and he was holding in hand a basin and a towel. He introduced himself as my masseur. I greeted him and told me that it was time for my foot spa. I told him to be aware of the danger as I walked much that day, but he didn't understand the joke. The foot spa is something awesome, and the best that I had were all in Thailand. Perhaps are the flowers that they use, or their skill, I don't know, they are simply awesome. I could have them every day, maybe even twice at a day. It all begun when he started to massage my feet, as an explosion of pleasure went up, from my toes up to my head. In that moment I felt how long I missed the Thai massage, and that probably I've been very tired.
The next step was when he told me “You can stand up”, “Ah... Yawn... Lready?” that was my answer. It was too good to have my tired feet in that hot water to leave. So soon.
I was taken to a massage bed on the side of the corridor, which was sheltered from the waiting room only by a thick curtain. I left my backpack between the bed and the wall. Then, the massage started, first my back and then the front. I only remember when it started and that in a few seconds I fell asleep, then like in a dream I was asked to turn around. Later I was woken up when I had to finish the massage from a sitting position. I slept an hour straight. I couldn't believe it, it had been so relaxing and all my muscles were rid of any tension. That guy had worked a magic.
The worst part was to take off my nice massage clothes and to wear the still sweated clothes, as with the air conditioning they became very cold. I left the place that I looked like under sedation. I was walking down the street, half sleeping, half awaken and fully smiling. I needed to get up. And which better way than Black Canyon Coffee? I entered the shop and Pui welcomed me. She asked me if I wanted a Black Coffee, but I told her that I wished an Ice Latte. She scribbled the order on her notepad and vanished behind the counter. In the meanwhile I logged into the Wifi to check what was going on back home. By good luck, nobody wrote to me. I felt relieved. On Facebook was totally a different story. I had messages, notification and Kaleema had found me. She wrote me if I wished to join her and her friends the following night for the main Loy Krathong parade. I told that it'd be very happy and that I'd buy some fireworks too.
My next step was to go to the square in front of Tha Pae Gate and I strolled there near as I needed to find an Internet Point. The same morning I tried to enter one, but it was still closed, so I tried it again. It was open. I entered and I asked for a computer with a printer. In fact, I had to print my electronic tickets for Airasia. They became available only a week before the flights and I checked if they had all those of my next flights, and by good luck, they were already ready.
I went back to my hotel. I needed to take a new shower, backup my pictures and change clothes. Not compulsory in this order of actions. As I entered the hotel I've met the crazy hotel desk girls and we started to talk about some nonsense and the Loy Krathong, so they told me that the same night they'd leave to take their Krathongs in the river, and they asked me if I wanted to join them. Yes, of course, I always like to party with native people. The appointment was scheduled for 21.00 when they'd leave the day shift. For me it was fine, so I could go and take some food first.
I entered my room, I turned the TV on a music channel and I started with all the things that I wished to do, then, after the shower, the time warped again. A moment before was 17.00 and a moment later was already past 19.00. No, I just fell asleep on my bed.
This time I was going to the Loy Krathong, so I decided to dress properly, with blue trousers, a striped shirt, perfume, and gel in my hair. I went out of the hotel, promising to be back in time.
“Don't be late!” they told me
“I'm always in time... Never late!” I lied. I'm such a liar on these things. They didn't know that I'm a professional on being late.
This night I went back to the Anusan Market to eat, but I changed the restaurant. The one of the previous night had been crossed off my list. This time entered into another restaurant where I hadn't been before and I took a dish of fried rice with seafood with a Chang Beer.
The black sky was already starting to be filled with the red dots of the flying lanterns and fireworks. It was time to go and take the girls. So, I paid my bill and I went back to the hotel.
Nam had already changed and she was waiting for the other, which told me her name but I never understood it. It wasn't a name, but a sound. A sound that only she and maybe some bird or some seaborn species can pronounce. Too easy to be forgotten.
We went down the street again and to the Ping river. Now the sky was turning red for the number of lanterns and lightened up by the explosions of fireworks. The continuous drum of the same fireworks was pounding in the air like some sort of a joyful artillery.
I was walking down the street chatting with Nam and the girl without a name, while I heard somebody screaming “Hey!”, I turned as I felt like it was addressed to me. I turned around, and I found myself at a meter from the smiling face of Mr. Tour Guide from the trekking trip. He was smiling like a crazy. Looked like his smile was going from an hear to the other. He was with his wife and children. It was in that moment.
Yes, the moment. A shiver. An emotion that I didn't feel for such a long time abroad.
When he was introducing me his wife and I was with my friends, I felt like I was again part of something. I wasn't anymore a farang face passing by the background of Thailand. I was there. And I had somebody that cared to call me to say “Hello” to me. It was a real emotion, touching, unforgettable and dressed of the cheer of the Loy Krathong.
At the beginning of the bridge on the Ping river there was a party. A large crowd of people was in the street, moving like streams in an ocean of people. On my right a small Theme Park with a stage and some stalls. The smell of incense, the sound of happy music, colorful flowers, happy people, the smell of both cotton candy and grilled skewers. It was all in a single mass-empathic happiness. The Loy Krathong was laying her silky dream robes on us, blowing in our hears, tickling our noses and flowing into us.
Nam was keeping on saying things but I could barely hear her. The other was just emitting sounds. Then we arrived to the river where we went to set “our” Krathong afloat. To make it mine too, I placed on the Krathong some coins too. Then we went on a bamboo bridge, that was scarily shaking and we lighted our incense, the candles, they prayed and I set the Krathong in the stream of water. It didn't sink, didn't capsize and went quietly downstream. The three of us waved our hands to the krathong and then we left the banks of the river. Many other people were waiting to put their krathongs in water.
First thing, we crossed the bridge to see if there was any party there, but there were only people with fireworks and krathongs, so we came back and went to the small Theme Park.
Here we stopped at the stalls and we bought a snack. First some skewers of meatballs, and then Nam told me, seeing that I told her that I liked the fried crickets, that I had to try something different. She went to an Omelet selling stall, and she ordered two Omelets filled with Ant Larvae. While waiting I finished my skewers and then the Omelet was ready. We cheered and we started our Omelets. The Omelet in the beginning tasted simply of Omelet, but when I reached the Larvae I could feel a very light taste of formic acid, but not so strong as it was covered by the egg flavor. They were good, but I think that if they, the Thais, would try the same recipe but with the Bee Larvae, they'd discover a Omelet with a more delicate taste. I liked it, it was definitely much better than I thought. Of course, when I'll be back in Thailand, I could take it again.
After the snack we had just one more stroll at the Theme Park and then we had to part our ways, but it was still too early. I went back to the hotel, but I stopped at one of my favorite bars to have one more beer. While there, a boy of the staff, clearly all but straight, went outside jumping like a fool. He came back with a box of fried crickets. He asked me if I wanted some and I said “Sure, I love them!”. This was the key that made me a sort of best guest of the night. Football, fried crickets and beer. Cool.
When I left I was called back. It was midnight and they were pretending to be closing as Police was passing by. They had a flying lantern and they asked if I wished to make it fly with them. Of course I'd like. I helped them to keep it as Mr. Fried Crickets Eating Boy lighted it up. It took some time to get ready and then, with a coordination that you can't even find in the Hong Kong International Airport we screamed “3 - Saam, 2 - Song, 1 – Neung, Fly!” and at the unison we left the lantern to fly. It was a real emotion to see it fly. We waved our hands at the lantern that was flying away taking to Lord Buddha our wishes.
“You know, it's dangerous!” a girl said
“What?”
“The baloons! Velly dangerous...”
“They fall on the head of people?” I replied
“No, sometime... We close the airport! The lanterns fly... Velly high! Airplanes can't fly!”
“You're making fool of me? You Ting-Tong! Khun Ting-Tong! Ah-ah-ah!” this was my answer.
She just replied with a “Noooo! Is true!”
It sounded almost like an urban legend, but maybe in the nights of peak of the lanterns, it could be real. But it looked “plausible but with a remote chance to happen”. I made some sarcasm on joking what would mean if a Loy Krathong hot air balloon for Good Luck would take a plane down. Sometime my sarcasm is inappropriate. Definitely.
I left the bar and I went to my hotel. It was again past midnight. By good luck, I didn't plan more day trips for the next day.
Dear Chiang Mai, you're always surprising.
What will you save for me for tomorrow?
Day 15
Chiang Mai
I woke up that it was late again. I had no rush, so I turned the TV on a music channel and I got ready for breakfast. I still felt thrilled by the previous day and my improvised party with the Thais. It had been awesome, and I hoped to repeat the party the next night, with the best Loy Krathong parade.
I went downstairs and I sat at the counter of the hotel bar. I ordered a breakfast with coffee, fried eggs and bread. The TV of the hall was still on a news channel. Hosts were talking about some uninteresting politics, then came the forecasts, it looked like the weather would be quite nice today, and not so good for the next days in the south of Thailand. Exactly where I was going to go.
Today it was totally unplanned, no temple to look for, no trekking, nothing at all. I just had two objective. The first, to look for fireworks and hot air balloons, the other was to find some handicraft to buy. So, while eating my eggs I opened my map that after days of sweat and repeated different folding, now was all stained and partially torn. The map shown me that at North of the Northern gate I'd find a mall. I had plenty of time, and I could go and see if there was something interesting.
I went to my room took my backpack and I was ready to go. First I passed by the hall and greeted Nam that just arrived with the strange sounds emitting girl. They asked me my number to text me later and I gave them my Thai sim number. It can be useful to have the number of the front desk people of your hotel. Even better if they know you after a party together.
I left the hotel and I went back in the center of the city, and then, at the central crossing, I went northward. I passed by the monument of the “Three Kings” and I kept on that way. I first passed by what looked like a school made of many different buildings. A school so big that had its own soccer field. I passed there by and there were many students both wandering on the streets and in the football field having sport classes.
I went downstairs and I sat at the counter of the hotel bar. I ordered a breakfast with coffee, fried eggs and bread. The TV of the hall was still on a news channel. Hosts were talking about some uninteresting politics, then came the forecasts, it looked like the weather would be quite nice today, and not so good for the next days in the south of Thailand. Exactly where I was going to go.
Today it was totally unplanned, no temple to look for, no trekking, nothing at all. I just had two objective. The first, to look for fireworks and hot air balloons, the other was to find some handicraft to buy. So, while eating my eggs I opened my map that after days of sweat and repeated different folding, now was all stained and partially torn. The map shown me that at North of the Northern gate I'd find a mall. I had plenty of time, and I could go and see if there was something interesting.
I went to my room took my backpack and I was ready to go. First I passed by the hall and greeted Nam that just arrived with the strange sounds emitting girl. They asked me my number to text me later and I gave them my Thai sim number. It can be useful to have the number of the front desk people of your hotel. Even better if they know you after a party together.
I left the hotel and I went back in the center of the city, and then, at the central crossing, I went northward. I passed by the monument of the “Three Kings” and I kept on that way. I first passed by what looked like a school made of many different buildings. A school so big that had its own soccer field. I passed there by and there were many students both wandering on the streets and in the football field having sport classes.
Going North of the city
I kept on my way and soon I arrived at the central North gate. I crossed it and while running trying to not being run over by a pickup, I heard the voice of a woman. I looked forward and a Japanese looking girl was waving at me. I got close and she asked if I'd be so kind to take her a picture. Sure, I'm always kind with the girls that scream their lungs off to call me for such silly needs. Instead of taking her a single picture, I took her two, one with and one without the fill-in flash. In her camera, original was set without the fill-in flash, but my second picture was better, so she thanked me a lot. While I was going away, I heard her screaming again and was calling a Japanese looking man which probably was her husband or a friend.
Once out of the gate and across the moat, the city took another face. It was again different from the area with the electronic mall. This area looked older and less cared after. The facades of the buildings looked like losing paint, the street didn't look much clean and the pavements, when not invaded by parked cars, were cracked. Instead of this, there were, every now and then even interesting and beautiful shops. Some shops were of clothing, other were selling cars, other spare parts for cars tuning, and then homeware, groceries and hotels. I kept on that way for long time but then I discovered that, just near a very old looking small Stupa, there was what on the map was marked as a mall. It was just a Tesco market.
I turned back and I went toward the city again. It had been a waste of time, or maybe not. On the way back to the center I found a small shop selling fireworks. Then, again toward the center, all the way back. Across the main gate, across the area with the schools, passed by the statue of the “Three Kings” and to the center of the city again.
Once out of the gate and across the moat, the city took another face. It was again different from the area with the electronic mall. This area looked older and less cared after. The facades of the buildings looked like losing paint, the street didn't look much clean and the pavements, when not invaded by parked cars, were cracked. Instead of this, there were, every now and then even interesting and beautiful shops. Some shops were of clothing, other were selling cars, other spare parts for cars tuning, and then homeware, groceries and hotels. I kept on that way for long time but then I discovered that, just near a very old looking small Stupa, there was what on the map was marked as a mall. It was just a Tesco market.
I turned back and I went toward the city again. It had been a waste of time, or maybe not. On the way back to the center I found a small shop selling fireworks. Then, again toward the center, all the way back. Across the main gate, across the area with the schools, passed by the statue of the “Three Kings” and to the center of the city again.
Going East of the city
Here I went back down toward the Night Market via Tha Phae road. Here it started my shopping day. I bought a load of things, from more fireworks, air balloons and much stuff to take to the friends back home. By the way, my lunch had been a sandwich with grilled meat.
The day went by quite fast. Then at half afternoon I received a message by Nam as I was invited to party with the girls again as they wanted to go to eat at the stalls again. I never say no for an evening with locals.
It was decided, I had to hurry to finish my shopping and head back to the hotel. It was my last day in Chiang Mai for this travel. I went around to not forget as it looks like. Then it was time. Time to go back to the hotel to pack the bags.
The day went by quite fast. Then at half afternoon I received a message by Nam as I was invited to party with the girls again as they wanted to go to eat at the stalls again. I never say no for an evening with locals.
It was decided, I had to hurry to finish my shopping and head back to the hotel. It was my last day in Chiang Mai for this travel. I went around to not forget as it looks like. Then it was time. Time to go back to the hotel to pack the bags.
Loy Krathong Parade
I entered the hotel and I confirmed the appointment at 21.00 with the crazies. I went upstairs and I planned what to keep out of my bags and what to pack. I prepared everything. I just left out what I'd wear that evening and what the next morning.
I showered, dressed up and then I went downstairs. I agreed with the crazies to meet near the gas station later. I spent a little in the hall with a Leo Beer. Next to me there were many backpackers that were speaking between themselves about their trips holding beers and looking at the TV. When my Leo Beer finished, I went out with my plastic bag and fireworks. A lighter in my pocket and the camera in the other. By the way, I was wearing shorts and T-Shirt as the previous night my trousers got stained by the incense ashes and I didn't want to have to wash them for good.
The meeting happened in perfect time. I was afraid that the crazies could be dressed like hookers, but they didn't. They were quite “normal”, if I may say so. We went on the other side of the moat, where we arrived to a hawker which had set tables and chairs all around. We sat at a chair and we ordered our food. One fried noodle, a Tom Yum and my Fried Rice. To drink three Pepsi.
As we were eating started the parade. The floats were passing by the other side of the moat, and we looked like sitting in the first line of the show. It's always good to know locals as they know the tricks to enjoy a place better.
Once we finished our food, we went first to Tha Pae gate where we took some picture and lit an air balloon. Then we went to see the parade.
The parade was spectacular. Every girl showing on the floats was beautiful like a princess or like a Devata, a celestial being. The floats themselves were shaped with mythical themes, with clouds, zodiac animals, sparkling golden towers and many other beautiful things from the Thai tradition. Unluckily we didn't spend long watching the parade, but then, we started following it.
In short, following the parade, we arrived back at the Ping River where we lit another Krathong, and when I felt the incense hot ashes on my skin, I understood that I did the right choice to not wear long trousers.
The air was filled of the smell of incense and gunpowder, the fireworks were exploding like a single, long noise. The sky was red with swarms of lanterns. The banks of the Ping River were aflame with the lit Krathongs and sparkling with the fireworks. I was there, exactly there, in the middle. Screaming with the crazies, waving our hands and pointing fireworks and balloons with our fingers. Half way between back to be kids, half way the rulers of the world. Actors on the stage, part of a magnificent play, owners and single rulers of the scene. That's what we felt.
We took part of the scene lighting our fireworks and lighting our balloons. Every step that we moved on the bridge was on what remained of bags of lanterns, exploded fireworks and burnt lanterns. Everybody was partying, picturing and screaming. Unbelievably, I didn't notice people drinking alcohol, but most of the people were carrying bottles of colored soft drinks.
We wandered across the bridge and back stopping often on the parapet to look at the people on the banks of the river putting the krathongs in water. I already been in a Loy Krathong in Bangkok, but this one was the best Loy Krathong ever.
Midnight came faster than we could even feel it, and slowly we made our way back until a crossroad where the crazies left with a Tuk-Tuk. I went up the street, stopping every few minutes to look at people shooting their huge fireworks.
It was just before midnight and I had time to enter my favorite bar for one more Chang Beer. The bar people greeted me again and we partied a little more, making one more flying lantern.
The time to come back to the hotel came so fast that I didn't notice. It was past midnight when I made the way back to the hotel. When I entered, I noticed that the backpackers were still there, talking with beers in hand, just as I left them in the same early night. They didn't know what they just missed.
I entered my room. I was happy and excited by my days in Chiang Mai.
Thank you Chiang Mai, you're always great.
I showered, dressed up and then I went downstairs. I agreed with the crazies to meet near the gas station later. I spent a little in the hall with a Leo Beer. Next to me there were many backpackers that were speaking between themselves about their trips holding beers and looking at the TV. When my Leo Beer finished, I went out with my plastic bag and fireworks. A lighter in my pocket and the camera in the other. By the way, I was wearing shorts and T-Shirt as the previous night my trousers got stained by the incense ashes and I didn't want to have to wash them for good.
The meeting happened in perfect time. I was afraid that the crazies could be dressed like hookers, but they didn't. They were quite “normal”, if I may say so. We went on the other side of the moat, where we arrived to a hawker which had set tables and chairs all around. We sat at a chair and we ordered our food. One fried noodle, a Tom Yum and my Fried Rice. To drink three Pepsi.
As we were eating started the parade. The floats were passing by the other side of the moat, and we looked like sitting in the first line of the show. It's always good to know locals as they know the tricks to enjoy a place better.
Once we finished our food, we went first to Tha Pae gate where we took some picture and lit an air balloon. Then we went to see the parade.
The parade was spectacular. Every girl showing on the floats was beautiful like a princess or like a Devata, a celestial being. The floats themselves were shaped with mythical themes, with clouds, zodiac animals, sparkling golden towers and many other beautiful things from the Thai tradition. Unluckily we didn't spend long watching the parade, but then, we started following it.
In short, following the parade, we arrived back at the Ping River where we lit another Krathong, and when I felt the incense hot ashes on my skin, I understood that I did the right choice to not wear long trousers.
The air was filled of the smell of incense and gunpowder, the fireworks were exploding like a single, long noise. The sky was red with swarms of lanterns. The banks of the Ping River were aflame with the lit Krathongs and sparkling with the fireworks. I was there, exactly there, in the middle. Screaming with the crazies, waving our hands and pointing fireworks and balloons with our fingers. Half way between back to be kids, half way the rulers of the world. Actors on the stage, part of a magnificent play, owners and single rulers of the scene. That's what we felt.
We took part of the scene lighting our fireworks and lighting our balloons. Every step that we moved on the bridge was on what remained of bags of lanterns, exploded fireworks and burnt lanterns. Everybody was partying, picturing and screaming. Unbelievably, I didn't notice people drinking alcohol, but most of the people were carrying bottles of colored soft drinks.
We wandered across the bridge and back stopping often on the parapet to look at the people on the banks of the river putting the krathongs in water. I already been in a Loy Krathong in Bangkok, but this one was the best Loy Krathong ever.
Midnight came faster than we could even feel it, and slowly we made our way back until a crossroad where the crazies left with a Tuk-Tuk. I went up the street, stopping every few minutes to look at people shooting their huge fireworks.
It was just before midnight and I had time to enter my favorite bar for one more Chang Beer. The bar people greeted me again and we partied a little more, making one more flying lantern.
The time to come back to the hotel came so fast that I didn't notice. It was past midnight when I made the way back to the hotel. When I entered, I noticed that the backpackers were still there, talking with beers in hand, just as I left them in the same early night. They didn't know what they just missed.
I entered my room. I was happy and excited by my days in Chiang Mai.
Thank you Chiang Mai, you're always great.