Chiang Mai

We’ve spent the three days in Chiang Mai, rested a bit, explored a bit and spent a fair amount of time gathering information. This morning it’s back to Chiang Rai. Maliwan made the comment last evening that she’s tired of hotels. I agree, it’s time to get off the road for a bit. Other than a not too exciting visa run, there isn’t anything on the schedule for the rest of the month except to write, think, pray, meditate, talk and decide. When the first of June rolls around I hope to have a rough plan for the rest of the year. For those of you have not have read, the trip to the States has been tabled for the time being.

As I said in the last post, we’ve been staying at the Parasol Inn right in the heart of old Chiang Mai. Check them out at http://www.parasolinn.com. Lovely boutique place, I highly recommend it. I can’t seem to stay away from the restaurant across the street. (Go out the front door of the Parasol Inn turn left, turn left at the corner and walk a few feet to the stamp collector’s store. The best cook in Chiang Mai is directly across the street. The place is called Pad Thai Rachadumnuta. Sutin is not only a great cook, he’s a great guy. For the past three days he’s been giving Maliwan tips about the area. Sutin is from Isan, like Maliwan.

                 The Parasol Inn         Sutin and myself at his food palace

Just down the street from the Parasl Inn is Wat Chedi Luang. They are having a week long Tamboon event. There are food and flower vendors lining the street and the crowds are pretty impressive. Hawkers directing you to parking spaces in their yards remind me attending baseball games in Baltimore and San Diego. Three  nights ago Maliwan and I went so she could Tamboon. The next evening I returned with cameras. Just inside the main temple they have set up a station of 108 bowls (108 is very significant in the Buddhist faith; their prayer beads have 108 Many wats that are elevated have 108 steps).  People go around and put a coin in each of the bowls.

Wat Chedi Luang

First thing yesterday morning we visited Wat Lok Molee, just across the moat from the old city. It was built in 1527. The Chedi houses the ashes of one of the kings and his wife. The Wat was in ruins for years and has been recently restored. For me one of the highlights of the whole trip was the little apprentice monk and his string on a stick.   There are several decent images showing this temple, but you will have to wait till I get home and get my images processed and uploaded.

The apprentice

I returned to Wat Umong. Mick Connolly and I spent several hours there a month ago. I’m delighted to report that the return was as enlightening as the first trip. Beautiful tunnels were constructed so there would be cool places to pray and meditate. Today the Wat serves as a meditation training center. Yes, dear reader I’m very interested. On the grounds are an abundance of artifacts providing amazing photographic opportunities.

Artifacts at Wat Umong

Our last photo op of the day was Wat Doi Se Tep. It’s up the mountain and must be 5 degrees cool (farenheit). The grounds are lovely. It’s really worth the trip. I was taken by the duplicate of the Emerald Buddha which really stood out amongst all it’s gold neighbor images. Bells are prevalent. There is more than enough to see, but don’t miss the view of the city.

At Wat Doi Se Tep