21-day South-Asia trip (2007)

February 1st

Wake up 7:30, catch the 9am bus to Bangkok $3

Food highlight:

fresh squeezed orange juice
pork skewers with sticky rice bags $3

Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok:

Off-terminal Food Court:

Kwiteau soup
meat skewers with rice (oh so tasty) $3

Over-night bus to Chiangmai, air-con sleeper.

Make sure if you go this route to take advantage of the free midnight snack offered at the half-way mark between the two cities. Line up to get a bowl of kwiteau or curry over steamed rice. Just present your bus receipt for your free lunch! Snacks and chips are available at the surrounding stands for purchase if that is your craving desire.

February 2nd

Arrive 7am by the orange, budget bus from Chiangmai. After all, it is $3 CAD, literally $1 an hour.

The winding road to Maesariang is my favorite road trip of all time. There is a bit of scenery, folks, nostalgia, with a highlight being the hill-triber's getting on with their little ones tucked away in home-made blankets, toques(cold in winter) and such. To me, the essence of humanity is found in the tribals. They exude the epitomy of simplicity; a word so-called religious use often, but here it is found in its natural state. I imagine Jesus lived like this when he was growing up in the little town of Nazareth.

Of course, the Girls of the Sawasdee were as hospitable as ever. Thanks Jep and Pantita for your hospitality! (because of my history in Maesariang, they treated me with special care -- taking me about and the like).

Last day in Maesariang before the long-ride to Bangkok, and then the great beyond past Singapore and over the waters to Canada; good ole' Canada.

Arrive Bangkok, 6am by bus from Chiangmai.

After taking a stroll about the Kao San Road district, I decided to book a room at the Green Hotel (800THB), a short distance from the heavily populated backpacker-tourist filled area.

Green Hotel, "Good service, good manners, everclean." I have no problem with this line because it seems to be true. This hotel is a fine, no-frills place to stay.

After checking in, I took a walking-tour of the area (see map below). The residential neighbourhoods, schools, shops and administrative, military and temple buildings are all interesting things to see.

Food highlights: Green Curry with Steamed Rice
Tom yam soup - restaurant

Chicken skewers w/rice - street hawker

Bags of fresh fruit chilled over ice:
- mango, pineapple, red papaya