Chiang Mai

Train was a little late but arrived uneventfully about 10am. Walked a couple of k's into Chiang Mai with our packs -- our first loaded hike of the trip. Eventually found the unlabelled motel and found that our room was free. Dropped our stuff and went down the road to the bank and subway for lunch. Hired a tuc-tuc for an hour, and he showed us the town wall, moat, gates and the three big pagodas. Same, same, but different.


Back to the hotel and picked up for our afternoon tea tour of the Doi Suptep temple perched high on the hill overlooking the city. Great view. Had a guide and driver to ourselves. Climbed the 306 steps to the top, looked at the Buddha, paintings and another Golden Stupor. Descended the steps and went to the Jade factory across the road where we saw how they cut, sculpted and polished the Jade, which actually comes in about seven colours -- only one is green. Arrived back about four. Tired but it was worth seeing.


After some Internet time and a short rest we went down to a tailors to inspect fabric and have Mandy fitted for a silk blouse. Thai meal, then we hit the night markets to get our shopping fix, accompanied by several trips to the ATM. Bought board shorts and T-shirts and a DVD for the boys, a DVD and some cotton pants for Mandy, and a watch for me. At 9:30 we raced back to the motel where the tailor and his sewer appeared for a fitting of Mandy's blouse. Finally to bed.


Officially dubbed the 'Eternal Flame’ holiday as we have heard the Bangles song in almost every city including Nah Trang on New Year's Eve, subway in Chang Mai etc etc.