Part 34: Chiang Mai by night.....
This was fast turning into my favorite hostel so far. For a start it was only £3 a night, and thats with breakfast included.
Gina, the proprietor was awesome - kind of like your mom, sorting things for you, making sure you had insect repellent on before you went out, organizing your laundry. Also we could help our selves to the drinks in the fridge, beers included, and she trusted us to write it down on a piece of paper if no one was around. There were also a few ground rules, like no noise after 9pm, we weren't allowed to wear our shoes upstairs, and to make sure the gate was locked when we went out - this was just like staying at home from home.
Her family were getting on with things around us and the children were playing. I really felt comfortable here from the second I arrived.
On top of all that, the backpackers were so nice too.
There was a flaky English couple who were a hoot, a guy from Egypt, an Australian vet, and a German all sharing my room.
As well as the Swiss chap, the Australian couple and more in the other room.
The plan was to go out to the night bazaar and look around, grab some food, then head off to the bars for more drinks.
But first we all hung around downstairs helping ourselves to beers in the fridge. It was like we had known each other for years, making cool conversation, talking about our jobs, lives and travels. I tend to waffle a bit when I'm drunk, and the 3 large Chang beers I had soon went to my head, especially since I had not eaten much since I'd arrived.
Most of us were a little tipsy by the time we wandered along the main road to take a 'songtaew' (an open sided pick up truck that drive around the city picking up passengers) to Chang Klan Road in the center of town.
The bazaar, famous for its local handicrafts and unusual items, including crossbows of all things, had an immediate vibe when we got there. Geared up more for the locals than tourists thus giving it a far more authentic feel, and ran the whole length of the road, which is about 1 km long.
We strolled around the streets, which were not overly busy occasionally stopping at the stalls - the Australian girl bless her, was concerned in case any of us got lost and made sure our group stuck together. The prices also appeared way cheaper than Bangkok in comparison.
Chiang Mai translated means 'new city' and voted as one of the top 20 best places to visit in the world.
What I'd discovered looking around, is its a really cultured and creative area rich in history. The old town is bounded by moats and ancient city walls, and my experience of the people so far, I found them to be really quite charming and friendly. The streets were alive with food carts and local restaurants with 'huen' food, meaning home or house.
My stomach was rumbling by now and I couldn't wait to sample some local cuisine, so we made our way to a boutique looking outdoor restaurant, where we all sat around a large table together.
I ordered khao soi soup, the delicious signature dish of the area, kind of a rich, sweet, spicy dish with coconut and curry, and then stir fried beef with broccoli too, washed down with several beers - it definitely hit the spot!
After all the food, drink and banter we decided to move onto one of the many bars in the market square, finding an Irish pub - they are always a good bet for a laugh and had those huge beer dispensers on each of the tables, which we were drinking almost as fast as the staff were filling them up, then paired off into teams to play pool - not the easiest thing to do when you are drunk, but it was hilarious nonetheless.
We stayed right till closing time and were the last to leave in fits of drunken laughter. Not exactly remembering how we got home but we just did.
Although I did remember us in whispered hysterics, trying to tiptoe back into the hostel searching for more beer, but I seem to recall all of us polishing that off earlier.
Next thing we were back on the streets looking for a 7-11 on a mission for more alcohol.
Luckily there was one not to far away and after raiding the beer cabinet we went back to the hostel.
Thats all I conceivably remembered before waking up the following morning with a dry mouth and pounding head, with my shoes still on- Whoops!
Then wondering how many of the the other ground rules I'd broken!!
Everyone in the room was in a deep sleep so I sheepishly made my way downstairs removing my shoes, where the chirpy Gina was waiting who did not seem in the least bit bothered by our drunken antics.
In fact she said 'hurry up get ready, I've a arranged a trip for you'
'Make sure you wear your climbing shoes' she said.
'And bring a change of clothes and swimming gear too'
So for the second day running I put my trust in Gina and was heading somewhere - albeit with a hangover!!
But if yesterday was anything to go by I then knew I was in for another great day.....