Blogs from Chiang Rai, North-West Thailand, Thailand, Asia - page 4

Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometres with a population of 1.23 million at an average elevation of 580 metres above sea level, it is the northernmost large city in Thailand. The provincial capital is 785 kilometres north of Bangkok. About 13hr driving, 10 hrs by bus and 1hour and 20 minutes by plane. My last minute ticket from Bangkok to Chaing Rai was $80USD but if you book with time it is a lot cheaper. Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 and was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. The province contains Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai, is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hilltribes, and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos ... read more

So, Chiang Rai. A new city for us to explore! We were dropped by the taxi at Lek House our guesthouse for the next few days and then off to explore. Chiang Rai is smaller than Chiang Mai. The streets in the centre fanning out from a beautiful clock which at 9 every evening had a light show with music. There were also some very beautiful Christmas decorations and quite tasteful. After settling in we were off to explore. We visited the small, but very interesting, Hill Tribe Museum a beautiful flower garden and found The Lounge Bar recommended by Ben in Chiang Mai. It was owned by his friends Brit, Bob and his wife Thai, Jack. We were told by Ben we must try the green curry which comes highly rated as five stars on ... read more

AM I woke up early at 6am to study and get ready for my massage course exam after a poor nights sleep punctuated by nightmares about massage, like the sleep I’d get the night before an exam in the A level exam period, when passing exams seemed to be a matter of life and death. I was really not looking forward to the final exam. We’d covered so much material so quickly, and in the evenings I would fall asleep really early as I was so tired so I didn’t get to meet anybody outside the course. The girl I was working with was becoming insufferable, she was bossing the teacher about, giving both of us instructions, taking over the teacher’s job and was verbally aggressive to everybody. I realised that the course was doing me ... read more

On Thursdays we have only working meditation in the morning and in the afternoon the whole community comes together for a workshop led by one of the life coaches. Last week the theme was identity. It was entitled "Who am I?". I felt distinctly uncomfortable sitting, eyes closed, opposite and VERY close to my partner, (a complete stranger) then staring into each others eyes looking to find each other's inner child, inner pain and inner joy. This was followed by interrogating one another with the repeated question "who are you?". The other person then has to respond quick fire - "I am a daughter, I am a sister, I am a lamp" etc. 90 minutes worth. From talking to others it seems most volunteers feel the same about the workshops- they are weird, awkward and excruciating. ... read more

Ever meditated after a pizza binge? Not recommended. The only thing you're likely to connect with is the 3kilo cheddar and dough ball sitting on your large intestine. This is how tonight's Sharers Meeting started for me. The premise: a resident shares their story about their struggles and path to recovery and then you're invited to speak about how this is personally relevant to you. Held in the Forest Hall (beautiful mud brick hall located across the lake just inside the forest. ) About twenty five people attended tonight, I reckon more set out but a few were taken alive by the mozzies on the walk down. The following is an illustration of the conflict I feel here at NLF. As I listened to P's story I started having a little chat with myself in my ... read more