I have spent 8 days in Chiang Mai and will be here a bit longer. Located in northern Thailand, it is a mecca for those seeking a slower, more relaxed pace of life. It offers so many classes, wats and treks for those seeking a little adventure. I have enjoyed visiting many of the ways in the old city, where I'm staying and getting daily massages. I have taken a Thai cooking class an learned how to make yummy massaman curry, pad Thai, coconut milk soup and mango sticky rice. Our class was taught by the funniest lady boy who really made the evening fun. Today I took a Thai massage cpurse and can't wait to practice on everyone back home! Tomorrow I leave for a 2 day meditation retreat sponsored by Wat Suan Dok, located in the mountains surrounding Chiang Mai. No talking is allowed so it will be a very interesting and challenging 2 days! TheWomen's Correctional Center offers traditional Thai massage by some of the inmates as part of a jobs training program so of course I had to check it out! You would never know they were inmates except for the guard who checks you in. I have also enjoyed the Sunday and Saturday markets where locaselling to sell their handicrafts and snackspans street performers sing and dance. It is great fun and I bought so many things that I will need to get another bag to carry it all!
