We arrived in Chiang Mai by train a couple of days ago. Cork is finally feeling better. Although still weak from 10 days of illness, he is almost back to normal. Tropical febrile viruses spread by mosquitos are serious business. In the developing world these illnesses strike and kill so many people, mostly children and yet there is very little money put into protection or cures.
Chiang Mai is a city in mountainous northern Thailand. It is a beautiful area, green, lush jungle, mountains. The city is about 800 years old. Founded in 1296, it was capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. Its Old City area still retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a cultural and religious center. The Old City is a big square surrounded by a high stone wall and within filled with small winding alleys and streets. Like in a maze it is easy to get lost, but the wall is always your safety marker. Around every corner there is a temple. Chiang Mai si home to hundreds of elaborate Buddhist temples, including 14th-century Wat Phra Singh and 15th-century Wat Chedi Luang, adorned with carved serpents.
I walk around the city every morning and struggle to capture the beauty of these statues. I enjoy my walks, alone, watching the city wake up.
The city has a relaxed feel with cafes and yoga studios mixed with the traditional stands selling friend snacks, fruit and all other practical necessities of daily life. I believe that tourism has existed in Chiang Mai for sometime and there is a relaxed ease between the locals and tourists. I do not sense any resentment or anger towards foreigners. Just about all the shopkeepers have a working knowledge of English and buying goods and services here is relatively easy.
We are going to be here for the month of December. Hoping to explore around the city and use this time to catch our breath, plan our next steps, do some school work and meet some fabulous people. And of course, eat lots of curry.
Bochner Family Adventure 
Hey you guys…. It is so great to tag-along on your adventure and I am relieved that Cork is healthy again…(looks great by the way…!)
We are freezing here and the landscape looks like it has been decorated for Xmas with frosted trees and landscape(so cold!) Let’s talk soon!
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