Chiang Mai

Ahhhhh... it's hard to believe that I had to find relaxation, not at the beach, but, rather, in the city. For as much fun and sun as I had on Samui, I simply could not escape the development and commercialism. Here in Thailand's north, in Chiang Mai, life is easy. Yes, it's a big city, but the people are friendly, they talk slowly, and it's easy to get around on foot. After arriving yesterday, I checked into the Eagle House No. 2, a great little guest house close to all the action. I wandered around a bit, and then went on a search for the pants they give you to put on when you get a massage. I could live in those things. I was asking around for a Tesco supermarket, where I heard they could be found, when a nice older woman explained that I could find them just as easily at the famous Chiang Mai night market. She was heading that way on her moped, so she gave me a lift. Inside, this place has everything - including the pants. So, now I'm stocked up. Seriously, the answer to world peace is for the entire planet to stop what they are doing, put on a pair of these pants, and drink tea. In about an hour's time, we'll be less intereted in bombing each other, and more into the idea of just sitting around. Of course, industry will fail, but at least we'll all be comfortable as we watch the downfall. Anyway, lighting and rain knocked out power briefly in the bazaar, so they just lit candles as we walked around. No biggie. When the rain stopped, I walked back to my place, changed, and had a nice Thai dinner in town, watched some Champions League soccer (Man U vs Lille), and then crashed out early for the night... still need sleep from the Full Moon Party. The plan from here out is to explore the town a little more today, a two-day hill trek starting tomorrow, three days being mellow in the town of Pai, an overnight train to Bangkok, a day-trip to the River Kwai bridge, and then home... to the ol' grind. Anyway, this could be my last update until I get back from the hill trek. Cheers. Oh, and happy birthday, Drew.