The Thai people and foreigners alike love Chiang Mai. Most do not consider a trip to Thailand complete without a visit here. It is considered the gateway to the North and is what UNESCO calls a Creative City.
For me it will forever be the city where everything that could go wrong has. From spending an afternoon at the hospital, overpaying for a hotel that is nothing like they advertised, and today breaking my good camera simply by putting it into my knapsack while my room was cleaned. Really, I can't wait to leave. Unlike every other city I have been to in Asia, the people here are not all that friendly either. In fact, the nicest people I have met here were from Bangkok!
The irony is that I have to stay an extra day for a follow-up with the opthamologist. Did I mention that I have a severe infection in my eyes? This has meant that I have not been allowed to participate in the outdoor activities the area is known for. I am not even allowed to go hiking until my follow-up.
The extra doctor's visit has also meant that I had to change my flight which cost me an extra US$50 and another night in this expensive dud of a hotel.
So I have nursed my emotional wounds by eating my way through the Saturday and Sunday markets. I have tried Taro ice cream, passion fruit smoothies, mushroom spring rolls, fish curry soup, gelatinous Thai sweets and, well, so much more! I have let my sense of smell guide me. It, at least, has not let me down.
The markets are a real sight too - if you can get past the enormous crowds. It is a shopper's paradise. I love all the colours and variety of handicrafts. One of my favourite items was an enormous handpainted basket and a pair of shoes. I did not buy either. Actually, I exercised enormous restraint I have to say, if only because my bag seems to be getting heavier. Strange how that happens.
