Chiang Mat Transportation at its best!
Believe it or not, I’m not writing this in response to a post by another blogger about why they don’t like Chiang Mai. Nope. I’m writing this post because I barely booked a flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I haven’t booked my flight to Bangkok yet, but I’ve covered my trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. I always do this backwards!
I cannot tell you how many time this past year I’ve said I was going back to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. I lost count. I got as far as Penang, Malaysia in September, but never made it up to Chiang Mai or Bangkok. I know, it’s disgraceful and I let down a few people when I didn’t go.
I must admit, I was reluctant to return. From November to February, Thailand is busy and Chiang Mai seems to be overrun with people. As a girl who doesn’t like to be around throngs of tourists 24/7, I was eager to avoid the crush. Which is one of the reasons why I didn’t go. I know, it’s shameful. Also, there seemed to be a lot of bloggers going there, and as much as I love hanging with other bloggers, I like feeling as though I’m exploring on my own as well. But, I’m making up for it now, well, soon.
I’ve been in Canada for 2 months now, and as much as I love my home country, I am ready to be out on the road, exploring. So, last week I started exploring my options. I have done a little travel in Canada and the US, but I miss warm weather. Yes, there are many places I can go that are warm and sunny.
Why am I choosing Chiang Mai?
My favourite Wat in Chiang Mai, Wat Chedi Luang
SANITY! I love being in Canada and spending so much time with my family, but I’m craving a life that is more quiet. I crave days on end with no TV (hard to escape when you live in someone else’s house and don’t have your own space), and waking up to the sound of monks chanting. I miss my days of walking around the old city, writing, napping, walking some more and hitting up Chiang Mai Gate food stalls for dinner.
In other words, I want to go somewhere that can be quiet so I can work when I need to, somewhere that can be exciting and inspirational when I need a little jolt. I want to go somewhere cheap, where I can spend very little money (After all, the Mongol Rally starts in 6 months and I’m going to need my money as backup for that trip, and then for my Silk Road adventure as well). I want to go somewhere that feels like a second home, but is still intriguing to me. Hello, Chiang Mai!
When Will I Return?
I am thrilled to announce that I will return to Chiang Mai on March 31, 2012. I’ve decided to fly up from Bangkok. I know, I know. I can take a train or a bus for a lot cheaper than flying. Usually I would go for this option, but I had a credit with Air Asia that I had to use by tomorrow (Jan 25th), so I used some of it to book a flight up to Chiang Mai. Wahoo for flying to Chiang Mai for FREE!!
What Will I Do?!
THAT is the easy part! Work and play and eat and explore and repeat. I’ll continue to plan and prepare for the Mongol Rally while I’m in Chiang Mai. There is a lot of work that needs to be done, and I’m totally committed to doing it from Chiang Mai. If I need to get up at 3 am to have Skype calls with Sponsors or my teammates, then that is exactly what I will do. Living in Chiang Mai won’t change my dedication to the rally and my team. But that is not all…
- I’ll also be covering some stories in and around Chiang Mai for some online publications.
- I’ll be writing more exciting stories for THIS blog.
- I’ll be attending a friend’s wedding (Lindsay and Daniel, I am so excited for you!)
- Songkran, the world’s biggest water fight!!! I’m doing some vloging of the event. I also plan to wear neon face paint and carry a massive supersoaker. I. AM. READY!
- Visit with friends living in Chiang Mai
- Day trips to country villages
- Learn to drive a scooter -so scared!
- Learn how to cook Thai food
- Learn Thai!! I should probably be able to say more than ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank-you’
Booking a Plane Ticket = Pure Joy
Temple at Ratchapruek Park just outside Chiang Mai
As a girl who has serious wanderlust, it should be no surprise that I am jumping-for-joy with excitement about returning to Thailand and to Chiang Mai. At the beginning of the year I had absolutely no plans to return to Thailand in 2012, however things have changed. I will be returning to Thailand -thanks to a seat sale from Air Canada.
Chiang Mai seems to be getting some negative press and I’m saddened by this. It’s not the be all and end all place, but it is definitely a place that everyone should visit at least once. The people are lovely and the food is yummy and cheap. There are tons of markets and Wats. In my opinion, there is something for everyone -unless you’re a mega party person.
Chiang Mai, I cannot wait to see you!
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About Pamela
