Farewell to Thailand.

I always feel sad leaving Chiang Mai and all my friends there even though I am off on an adventure. I left with Doi Suthep shining in the sunrise on a clear morning and the full moon has been shining in unclouded skies for the last few days. As I have said before it is upside down compared to Europe so it begins it's new life with a smile and when full the face is sideways. It is so large and clear.

Chiang Mai and the Thais are so tolerant. Lady Boys, for example, have a special status, style, personality and confidence born of the fact that they often front public relations, presentations, sales, promotion of business etc. Gay men, beautifully dressed, often well known dress designers are often the escorts of dignitories when they attend functions. The tolerance is endearing and the amount of eccentrics here makes life really interesting. Needn't tell you that foreigners go around in daft clothes like the silliest of hats made by hilltribe people like long colourful cones and combinations of clothes that they would not dream of wearing in their own countries. Unfortunately Thai girls are no longer wearing the very modest dress of just a few years ago. The Western influence and magazines plus TV have introduced them to the shortest skirts imaginable, strapless dresses, shorts etc. There they go riding their motor bikes demurely with their skirts around their "oxters" as we would say in Ireland. Still there is so much curtesy, the bows, the wai s, the smiles. The school children and teenages look so great in their tradional dress on Fridays with the beautiful, wrap skirts and colourful shirts and trousers for the boys. Life is made easy by the way hand work and repairs are quickly, cheaply and expertly done. I needed a silver handbag for an event and bought a used one with a zip broken. Fixed quickly with a smile and new zip for just a little over a euro. Clothes are returned the same day after being washed and ironed.

I have been spoiled the last few days with goodbye lunches, dinners, music sessions etc where all my friends here came to say cheerio til next time.

For those of you coming here there's a great jam session on each Wed and Sun at CU corner, Tuk Tuk bar on Soi 1 Moon Muang.

Favourite restaurant Prego/Bai Porn on Sriphum Soi 1 with organic veg and wonderful soups plus Italian food.

So many guest houses - please email if anyone wants one with desired price range.

Great dentist. Muxmai Dental Clinic. Dr Suttipong. First turn right after 3 Kings Monument coming from the moat.

Excellent spa. Oasis in 2 locations but I prefer the one by Wat Phra Singh.

Any other questions to a.roantree@gmail.com

Now on to Nepal starting in Kathmandu.

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