A few images of this city, Chiang Mai during preparations for the Loy Krathong festival and some taken from a condo on the 17th floor of a building overlooking the Mae Ping river that runs through town.

AND THE PARTY GOES ON

20 Nov. '10

So sorry that the last post became fragmented although it was alright in the preview. Now I don't know how to correct it but it doesn't really matter as this is mostly for my family and they understand.

Life goes on it's merry way here in Chiang Mai where it is the big Loy Krathong festival this weekend. For weeks the Thais have been setting off fireworks, crackers and sending the lovely Hot Air Balloons soaring in to the air. It will all reach a climax today and tomorrow with highly decorated floats passing all around the moat. It must take weeks to prepare them and many hours for them to pass. The Krathongs are home made little wreaths made of leaves and flowers with candles and incense inserted - they will be set off on a journey down the Mae Ping River and the moat so everywhere is alight. If it stays afloat ones sins and misdemeanors sail away with it:)

The doorways of temples, hotels and entries to villages are all decorated with palm fronds, lanterns, flowers, branches etc and all are interwoven with lights. Hard to know where to look with so many temptations. Even the monks are climbing up pillars and trees to decorate their wats (temples)

Tonight we'll stroll around admiring all the results. Traffic will be at a standstill with all of it heading towards the river and moat, walking will be the only way and if possible, it will be a good idea to head up to a high roof top to view it all from on high with the spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky.

Winter Travels 2010

November and back again in Thailand. Flew from Dublin to Amsterdam and from there on to Bangkok. The plane was so full. Last time I flew with China Air I was lucky enough to be bumped up in to Business Class but no luck this time.

I had hours to spend in the Airport

at Bangkok and found a Thai restaurant while wandering around. What a difference to the western chain places out in the main areas. There are stalls all around the restaurant with pictures of whatever food they are offering and the prices. Most dishes are about 1 Euro, less than a coffee at the western places You buy coupons as you walk in and can get a refund if your eyes were bigger than your tummy. Even at 7 am there were all the Thais tucking in to their soup or rice dishes with gusto.

Arriving in Chiang Mai always feels great, like coming home if home has blue skies, flowers, clear air and mountains fresh from the rainy season that just ended in Oct. Now it is hot and sunny every day but not too hot. I can use a stole early morning or at night. A taxi in to town has a set charge of 120 baht which is about 3 euros but I hopped on a little red Song Thow for 40 baht and off we went to my usual room that they keep for me every year and soon my boxes were brough

t down from the attic and I was all set. Lots of smiles wai's, hugs and greetings from other residents who were already back. I couldn't wait to stroll down the lane to my favourite tiny Thai lady who cooks the best Khow Soi (a north Thai curried noodle soup) in the city and it costs all of 25 baht - there's 40 in a euro.

The EU Film Festival started here the next day. Each EU country submits their best film and they are shown here for free with 3 different films each night for 2 weeks. Wonder why we don't get those films in Ireland. Great acting and directing. It is lovely to sit out under the new moon and stars beside the Ping river and watch good films. I went to the opening and there was lots of vino and canapes. Met so many friends there and was delighted to be back.

I had a birthday this week so my friend Pauline offered to take me off to anywhere I wanted to go. The very good massage woman in Chiang Mai had told me to go to Hot Springs, one can stroll through lovely grounds there and reach a swimming pool full of warm water from the sulphur springs that are gushing up nearby. Thais are cooking eggs in them, a nearby sign tells the time for soft, medium and well done. Most relaxing and it probably did a lot of good too.

That night was invited to a great Tapas place called Su Casa. They also have really good Margaritas and Martinis. The owner is from Spain and his wife from Hong Kong. Had a great time and an unusual dessert of ice cream with a hot espresso (affogatto) and then a black sambuca over that which was of course alight. An easy one to make at home. Pauline had, of course, told the owner so cake and candle appeared as well. All the fussing really makes me wish that those customs were around and affordable in my youth. I don't believe in birthdays being any different than any other day but have to say it was great fun. I think I love being spoiled:)

That's all the catching up 'til now. Off to the Sunday "walking market" where there will be great decorations so may add a few pics to the new album.