Beauty of Chaing Mai

I experienced an incredible first few days in Bangkok exploring the city sights, chatuchak weekend market which goes on for miles and you can find anything and everything, The Jim Thompson House, the tastiest cuisine and deep desire for chilli dishes fulfilled. It was the perfect introduction to Thailand!!! 

Next up was Chaing Mai up north for an abundance of exploring, physical activities and fun filled 3 week venture. I caught a night bus and arrived after a long somewhat bumpy journey at 04h30 and headed to the hostel. Although I was rather sleep deprived I could not wait for sunrise to explore the city which I was told on countless occasions was amazing and green, more chilled with lots to offer. 

With some help from Google maps (as I knew by now that I did not have a natural GPS whatsoever) and Lonely Planet I made way to one of the top sights known as Wat Chedi Luang. After a brisk walk through the streets I arrived at what seemed like a scene from Tomb Raider...It was unbelievable and such a beauty. I just stood there and starred at what lay before me. ``How fortunate I am to see this``, I thought. It is such a stunning structure which is partly ruined due to an earthquake years ago, but still so pleasant on the eyes. I spent some time admiring this temple along with some other structures which have been added around it which included an area where you can have a ``Monk chat``. I unfortunately was not able to speak to a monk as none were available so I made my way to a few of the museums and temples...there are ample to see each with their own unique characteristics and stories.

I simply explored the streets and stopped in at a few sights, enjoying the views all around me. I found it much easier to navigate myself in Chaing Mai and not as easy to get lost as Bangkok. The streets are smaller and they have discovered signage in English too which helps a first time backpacker like myself. After hours of exploring I eventually found myself at the Chaing Mai Womans Correctional Institution which is also a spa and they offer drinks and Thai massages. I found this to be a wonderful way of introducing ex convicts back into society, although I am not sure if some of them are still serving time...not that it makes a difference. It is setup in a beautiful traditional home with water features, lush trees and seated area to relax before your appointment. 

I did take advantage of this opportunity and enjoyed my first exposure to a Thai massage...little did I know that my limbs would be pulled and pushed to all degrees. I was taken to a large room with plenty of beds, relaxing music in the background and an aroma that was so soothing and saw quite a few people enjoying their massage...the man next to my bed was enjoying it so much he was snoring from all the way to the sun. After an hour had past I felt incredibly relaxed and was handed a delicious cup of tea that could have had any ingredient in..I would never know but it was tasty and added to my tranquil state of mind and body. I just let it be...

A full day of exploring the beauty of Chaing Mai and still had a smile from ear to toe...four days and counting.  

First day of Exploring Backpacker

My official first day of an exploring backpacker in Thailand started off with a cruise on the ``hop on hop off`` ferry. Early morning fresh air, beautiful sunrise and surroundings and I am on my way to see the infamous Grand Palace. I am filled with excitement beyond measure; a natural high I want to savour for a lifetime. After taking heaps of pictures...did I mention I bought a new camera encouraged by my darling sister and I am so thankful I listened to her...My idea was that I was going to wing this journey of a lifetime with my camera phone. Yes, I know that would have been an epic fail and I would have regretted missing all the magical opportunities. So I bit the bullet and bought a stunning camera in the UK. I love photos and it is a real passion of mine I am now starting to explore again especially figuring out this camera and all the special settings.

Anyway so after taking heaps of pictures I arrived at pier 9 to go to The Grand Palace. I wasnt quite sure which direction to walk in so I kind of went with it (in the wrong direction obviously). After floating around for a while and observing all the little stalls on the side of the road and absorbing everything around me I decided to change direction only to be intercepted along the way by an enthusiastic Thai tuk-tuk driver who informed me that The Grand Palace was closed until 14h00 (two hours away). I wasnt quite sure if it was due to language barrier or what that I didnt quite get the reason it was closed (maybe for prayer) but I agreed for him to take me to three sights until it opened again. Call me blonde, naive, head in the clouds...all of the above AND I totally forgot I had read about this scam in the Lonely Planet book my darling sister had bought for me. In the back of my head I did think if it didnt work out I would still see another sight and get back to the Palace anyway so I went with it for 30 Baht.

Our first stop was the big Budda or so he called it this. It literally is a gigantic Budda hundreds of meters into the sky alongside a temple. It was magnificent, not to mention the first temple I could explore. The architecture, design, attention to detail, images inside the temple, atmosphere and all blew my mind. I took time to absorb the details before going back to the ``generous`` tuk-tuk driver.

Within 10 minutes I realised what was going on as he took me to a tailor that I needed to go into and wait for around 15 minutes, something to do with fuel money, and then we could move on. After five minutes I thought no ways this is not happening. I walked out of the shop and told him I didnt need anything and asked him to take me back.  We had a little debate and neither of us was happy. It was an experience I learnt from and wanted to kick myself too. I lost so much time with that escapade, but I got to see the big Budda so it wasnt too bad afterall.

By the time I reached The Grand Palace (which was VERY open to the public) I took a breathe and collected myself. Girls please note you need to be cover from wrist to ankle. I was only covered to my wrist and wasted yet another hour or so going back and forth from the entrance to the area where you rent clothes. So finally after an entire morning spent trying to get to the Palace..I was here. I cannot begin to describe the beauty, abundance of temples and structures so I hope my pictures can do some justice...I highly recommend going there if you have time in Bangkok. I loved every minute of it, even being fully clothed in scorching heat condition. I just absorbed every detail around me and tried to imagine what life was like then and there, attempting to get a better understanding of the country I was in. It gave me a real feel that I was an exploring backpacker in Thailand and it all felt so surreal...

I must admit that I did find it rather difficult to navigate myself around this area of Bangkok and it took me a decent amount of hours to get back to the BTS Train without spending a small fortune on a taxi. In saying that I somehow ended up at the Flower Market and walked along the river, observed raw areas, small alleys and the life of the city.

All in all with the snags I had an amazing first day exploring. The people are friendly, some helpful, the streets are busy day and night, the air is warm, the environment is new and exciting and I cant be happier...And it can only get better each day!

I am in Thailand!!!

Thailand and travelling around south east Asia has been on my `bucket list`so to speak for almost five years. I have been dreaming about simply backpacking, experiencing the culture, the people, exploring the countries and most of all my inner self. It has been a dream of mine that I constantly postponed for a great new job, invaluable experience, my relationship and other things that presented themselves and were a part of my life.

At the end of 2014 almost every element of my environment fell apart and I gave up around me...my job, my relationship, the place I called home for three years (Tanzania) and my friends. It was an abrupt decision of note but I had to take the risk. It was a now or never moment...I literally resigned two weeks before my flight out to the UK.

Fast forward three and a half months spent in the UK with my sister, brother-in-law and their beautiful little dumplings and I find myself standing in the queue to board the plane to Thailand. After months of planning and researching I was finally on my way..yet I am thinking what the fudge are you doing? Keeping in mind I am a person quick to panic out of my comfort zone and when security in all forms is not 100% guaranteed. So yes, my body was experiencing a small panic moment filled with fear. But I just kept reminding myself that this was happening and I needed to do it. And of course I was not the only person on earth who ever did backpacking in Asia...it was quite normal and everything would work out!

After 14 hours of travelling and losing 7 hours due to time difference the plane touched down and my world changed. I AM IN THAILAND!!! After five years I am finally here. I just couldn't grasp my new reality. It felt beyond surreal. My probably looked like a star  and I could not keep the grin off my face...I had a little giggle too about how ridiculous I felt the day before having a little freak out.

After a few hours I arrived at my friends place just outside Bangkok and regrouped..something I love to do just to make sure I am still a touch in control of my situation, environment and life.I felt amazing. I felt so happy and just could not believe I had done it....after all these years I AM IN THAILAND!!!

My first night out in Bangkok with my friend was incredible. We took the BTS Sky Train, used motorbike taxis, I learnt how to say our address in Thai, I took loads of pictures of the area (my delight) and explored some of the city. We had dinner at a restaurant called Condoms and Cabbages...yes true story. I was expecting a slightly porno vibe with a name like that and was almost proven right when we walked in and I saw people made out of condoms. From head to toe all the features are created using condoms. But It was quite arty and very creative.

The restaurant is actually tied in with a NGO and educating on safe sex. It is in a beautiful setting with an abundance of stunning coloured lights, a Thai woman playing music creating a soft ambiance and dont get me started on the food. My first exposure to genuine Thai food was explosive...and I decided right then and there I love it. I love all of this around me.

My first day was brilliant, and I even though by the end of dinner and being awake for 35 hours I could barely keep my eyes open, and I felt in awe with so much gratitude that this was my new reality.

I AM IN THAILAND!!!