Monday, December 20, 2010
On the train between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Breakfast with Lee on the train at our seats. We arrive in Chiang Mai. Taxi van to Mandala House. We arrive before check-in time. I have breakfast with the group (a 2nd breakfast for me and Lee). Afterwards my room is not yet ready still so I use the wireless internet with my iPhone to check email and Facebook and post some photos. Wireless internet is not entirely reliable here. When it works it is decent. After about an hour I still don't have a room, so I put on some bug spray and go exploring, wandering through streets in the Old City. This part of Chiang Mai is largely motorbike rentals, laundry, massage, eateries, and gifts. At noon I met Manuela, Lee, and Anna at Tha Pae Gate. We ate lunch together at a nearby restaurant. Afterwards we split up. I walked to City Park which was disappointing then took a tuk tuk back to the hotel and settled in my room for a shower and rest. At 4 PM the group took a taxi van to visit Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep with a local guide. We arrived shortly before sunset, walked through the temple, observed the sunset over the city, and endured a brief, warm rain shower just before the evening chanting began. Taxi van back to town, got dropped off at the Night Bazaar, ate dinner at Sweet Rain with the group. Back to the hotel. Another shower. Weight training: advanced push ups, reverse leg lifts. Packed.