Hot, happy and just a little confused

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The travelling fools are at it again! We’re loving it so much here in Chiang Mai that we’ve decided to stay another four days, but with it being so hot (33-34deg) we determined that for at least the last couple of days we should find a place with a swimming pool. Off we went to check out a place in the old town, The Tamarind, that is well reviewed. The Old Town is full of traditional Thai architecture but has a higher concentration of ‘types’ than where we are. Barb’s not keen, and truth be told, neither am I. We walked past the Tamarind and it looked a little seedy from the outside but peering in it looked a bit more promising so as it was steaming hot, well it was midday, we went to have a beer in a nearby bar. No sooner had we got our beer than one of the ‘types’, an Irish guy completely off his tits, staggered down from the rooms above and started to mumble incoherently at anyone who didn’t ignore him. Not a good omen. Anyway we sat and tried to cool down as best we could and eventually Paddy tottered off. We walked back and checked out the Tamarind from the inside, enquired about availability, it wasn’t bad, but what was outside had put us off a lot. Tuk-tuk ride to the other place that looked promising, the Yaang Come Village. The minute we pulled into the drive we knew this was a whole different thing. They had rooms for when we wanted so they showed us round in a really attentive manner but we’d already made up our minds, 25/26 Feb please. Seved us a delicious chilled lemon grass tea while we completed the formalities. Ardella, when we send you the photos from this place you’ll love it. Expensive by Thai standards, £50 pn, but we wanted a treat and it’s well worth it.
So it’s decided then, Bangkok for just two days. Back to our room, on the computer and sort out somewhere to stay. Found a great place, good rate, apparently well favoured by the queeny tendency, very designer. One room, 2 nights 27/28th, brilliant. Down to breakfast this morning, must book 1st class overnight sleeper to Bangkok, shit, all 1st class gone, bollocks. Then the truth slowly dawns, if we check out of Yaang Come on the 27th, get the sleeper overnight, then we are going to arrive in Bangkok on the 28th.
The Gods were smiling on us when all the 1st class got sold out, so anyway we’re now getting the express day train on the 27th, they say the devil looks after his own.

If such a thing is possible, Barb and I have morphed into a composite ‘Grace’. First there was Doug at The Sanctuary, here at Galare we are staying next door to David and Mal, a sweet couple from East Anglia (not originally I have to add, they are very normal and sophisticated), and next we go to a chi-chi place in Bangkok. What is happening? Why is Will everywhere we go?

Hi Darlings, can you believe it something has bitten the end of my nose giving me a Karl Malden/Gracie Fields type look, and no there will not be a photo and no I haven’t been drinking too much, how very dare you!. To add to this I’m having that girlie time of the month where I am liable to rush around looking at clothes not being able to make a decision, but when I do it will be the most hideous outfit, and where’s the mountain of chocolate I need to get through?Probably the best day to go for a full body wax as opposed to a relaxing massage. (2 days later) Think I avoided fashion disasters - although not sure as jb breaks into a sweat anytime I mention shopping and usually says - yeah great darling get it just to get me out of the shop. Have just brought a bar of milky bar cookies and cream! v. sweet - obviously not over the worst of it yet! Have to eat it whilst drinking a beer it really is very cloying. Massively hot here, hence the move to swimming pool territory - bring it on.

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Photos

?Que
More often than not

Cute huh?
One of many

Chiang Mai flower market
A contrast to the smell of the food market opposite

Chiang Mai architecture
Great juxtaposition

Barely half loaded
Come on luv, you're not even trying, people carry doors on these things!

Comments

[Dee and Kevin Fisher]

from the "real" world
You are models for what I hope we will do soon. This is what I'm up to now -- after my usual flexible, easy consulting to which I've managed to engage myself over the last many years -- I'm now indentured to, let's say, India but local company, and they are workin' my ass off. I see enough benefit in terms of renumeration and connection that the suffering is worth it. You can imagine the salivating when I read your blog. Very sad news here has me reeling, John King, the priest who married us, has a few months live, and being him and Buddhist is just facing it and giving no one a chance to pretend it isn't so. We look forward to your arrival here, and in the meantime will enjoy reading about all your adventures. The lizard is my personal favorite running a close second to Barb's Ginger-do. XOXO