20 April 12
Arrived in Chiang Mai this morning at 6am after another night bus...took a VIP bus this time - the difference: a little extra leg room which is lost as the seats recline back a little more, and the air-con works (it's freezing!!) - its a good job I can sleep anytime anywhere!!

After arriving got taken on an unintentional tour around Chiang Mai as my tuk-tuk driver didn't know where my guesthouse was! He wasn't getting paid extra for the privilege!!

Chiang Mai is a nice city. The old part of the city is enclosed by moats and the remains of a medieval style wall - originally built to protect against the Burmese invaders.

Spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool...there is a jacuzzi pool here!!
Spent the evening at the cocktail bike.

21 April 12
I have had a difficult few days - more time needed at the pool (the day at the pool in fact!).
Went to the Saturday night market tonight. This market was massive, there were hundreds of stalls selling clothes, food, jewellery, handbags, various gifts. And yet the atmosphere was so calm, people were just taking there time, having a mooch about, no pushing and shuffling. It was enjoyable just walking up and down the market, looking at the stalls, listen/watching the various entertainment stalls (bands, drawers, dog on a bike!!), and eating unusual foods - coriander sausage, worm bug, and a chocolate waffle (not so unusual)!!

22 April 12
This morning went on a walk to explore Chiang Mai. Went to the Wat Phra Singh temple - Lanna architecture, with walls covered in story's of life years ago in the north, and the Wat Chedi Luang temple - crumbling pink brick chedi. Even went to Monk Club to have a chat with a monk. Learnt a bit about Buddhism and life of a monk.
Enjoyed the Saturday market so much, had to go to the Sunday night market tonight! This market wasn't as big, and had a lot of the same things from yesterday, but was still nice.

23 April 12
Day trip to Meo Tribe and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple.
The Meo Tribe (Hmong, Blue Hmong specifically) was originally from China, and moved to the west of Chiang Mai. White Hmong live in the east of Chiang Mai, and some Hmong still live in China.
This tribe makes clothes, bags, gift and jewellery to sell, and Hmong are known for their chunky silver jewellery.
They had a "museum" and a "waterfall" there too (if you can call a room with some posters and tools a museum, and a trickle of water into a dirty dam a waterfall!!)
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple was on top of Doi Suthep mountain. It is a famous temple in Chiang Mai, it has connections with the king, and the Temple is said to have been built on top of the mountain as an elephant went to the location, turned around 3 times, and then blew his trunk! There is also a viewpoint overlooking the view of Chiang Mai.

Last night in Chiang Mai!!