Silk and Silver

May 11 - Our first day out on the town in Chiang Mai was an indicator of things to come. We were busy from early morning to late afternoon and the weather stayed hot. Our first stop was at a silver shop where they made and sold silver jewelry. I was fascinated with the craftsmanship displayed by all the workers, but this guy who pedaled while he handled tiny pieces was amazing.

The retail shop was extensive and expensive. They had a one-of-a-kind necklace that I liked shown here. It is unique to this studio as it opens like a locket to receive many inserts.

I watched the making of silk, which was enlightening. Thai silk is known for its quality. I haven't priced much of it yet, but here is a sample of a caftan that is $70 USD.

Traffic is pretty much with us all day. No such thing as rush hour as streets are “alive” until around midnight. At least that is what I have heard as I have not stayed up to check it out. This is a view from inside our van. Nine of us share the van with a guide shown on the left and a driver on the right.

This little car was parked outside our hotel for a couple of days that reminded my how much I regret not buying a mini cooper on my first visit to the UK back in 1989.

A full day was extended by a wonderful evening at a Khantoke Dinner, which is a traditional Thai ceremony beginning with food served on floor tables and concluding with a fabulous show.

One of the performers came over to where I was sitting and made my day.

I didn't get this finished until Tuesday, May 22. With the hectic pace and Internet availability (slim and none), I am unable to complete this blog for now. Very sorry. I will finish it, but it will probably be sometime this summer as I have a very busy June coming up. Saw wat dee, krap.  (Hello and Goodbye.

First day in Bangkok

It is Wednesday, May 16, but I am going back to May 9 for this blog. The pace has been somewhat speedy. We are up at 6:30 and in the vans by 8:00 or 8:30 and return between 4:30 and 5:30 for dinner at 6:30. Not much time for blogging. Today, however, is a free day, so I am going to catch up a little.
The guide I had contracted met me in the lobby at the agreed upon 9am and we went to the railroad station to purchase my ticket to Chiang Mai leaving at 7:35 that evening. From then on it was non stop. Her name is Pai, a thirty something single mother of two girls. She was great. We started in Chinatown. Check out these two videos Tuk Tuk and Quick Walk.

There are a zillion temples in Thailand and I am sure we will see most of them before we leave.  Here is the first one I toured. That is Pai in the foreground. And this is me in front of a picture of the King.

Pai recommended we tour the canals to see a different part of the city. It was a little expensive, $60, but turned out to be worth it.  Check out the canals and fish. The fish are abundant here as it is close to the palace and fishing is not allowed near the palace..If the video is too long for you, just exit when you have had enough.

It was a long day, but I was able to board the train early and take a snooze, before departure.  The ride was what I expected with stops all night long, noisy, swaying and clanking, but I slept like a baby. The next morning I took many photos and videos through the window.  The train arrived three hours late.  No worries. The tour didn't gather for dinner until six hours after I arrived. It may be a few days before I get back to the blog. We have a full day tomorrow, then off to Lanpang for two days. Stay tuned.

Long Journey

The long journey is over and I can now get excited about being in Thailand.  Some friends from the Alaska trip two years ago were in the lobby to greet me, which was really wonderful. I took a shower and a nap before we went to a lovely restaurant called "Indy Sea." The setting was idyllic. I took a video, but don't have time this morning to download and put it here. I think I will have more time tomorrow, so check back.  I did encounter a small snafu as the hotel had my reservation beginning May 5 instead of 8, so they cancelled my reservation and billed me a cancellation fee. It took almost two hours and several phone calls before they put me in a Senior Suite. Aptly named, don't you think?  Anyway, all systems go. My tour guide called this morning to confirm and we are on the town for the day. Ciao.