A European Village in the Middle of Asia: 17 November 2008

I was not able to view the city from Doi Suthep but saw the city from the flight both in the day and night, have not eaten 'Kao Soi' but have eaten chicken delicacy, have not purchased an Umbrella from 'Bo Sang', but brought some toffees from Tescos for my kids.

This is Chiang Mai and I have instantly fell in love with the city. If I had an option, this is one of the cities which I would like to live. Just reminding of an European town with cool weather all round the year, its a clean city with lush green surroundings. Though less cosmopolitan, a charming city and a perfect place for an expatriate to settle down. Located 700 Km north of Bangkok, its the fifth largest city in Thailand and is also called the 'Rose of North'

The town is set in the plains, surrounded by beautiful hills on all the sides. But they say that its the town which was continuously inhabited since the 13th century when the ancient civilization if Siam is founded. People who come there, will never like to leave. You can walk in plain cotton clothes, and feel the cool and clean breeze touching the cheeks. I bet, your hair will stand, and would instantly cuddle, if there were some one near by.

The people of Chiang Mai speak Thai, but some times a dialect called 'Kham Muang' among themselves. They have their own script, which is not being used today expect by scholars. The people are friendly and cosy with pleasant lifestyle. They try to spend time in the parks, gardens and community centers. A blend of snow white skinned Chinese and brown skinned Thai, every body enjoys life there. The mothers are running around their kids, the young are learning break dance, the old are sitting quietly looking at the infinite greenery surrounding them.

I think, I visited there at the right time, to see candles floating in the air every where. Its so exciting to spot and count the candles, I stopped after 52....Locally called 'Khom Fai', these hot air lanterns lit the night sky, competing with the bright full moon. The locals told that its a festival called 'Yi Peng', but in Bangkok they are calling as 'Loi Kratong'. As I reached my hotel, the staff are busy decorating with variety of material, and told that they are looking forward to it. They have made small ship like containers with banana leaves, decorated it with some flowers and candles before leaving into the river 'PING'.

I love Chiang Mai................