Chiang Mai, Thailand

I just arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand this afternoon (Tuesday, 19 December), a few hours ago. The train ride was fantastic. I love riding on trains and especially sleeping on them and Thai trains are quite clean and comfortable, even in non-AC second class. I really like the layout of the second class carriages in Thailand (and Malaysia). There are no compartments and the beds just line both sides of the carriage with curtains that you can close. Trains beat any other form of transportation I can think of other than boats!!

I gave the taxis and tuk-tuks at the train station "the finger" and decided to walk the 45-minutes to town. I had walked to and from the train station last time I was here and was curious if I would remember the way. I found my way to the same guest house I stayed at last time I was here - Julie guest house - even though it wasn't in my book or on my map. Fortunately it is still running strong - and strangely unchanged after 2 years - so I checked into the dorm room there.

Its really nice to be back in Chiang Mai. I forgot what a relaxed town it is; worlds away from Bangkok. The weather is also fantastic. It was down right cool on the train last night. Its strange to walk along the street and see something familiar and then all of a sudden remember whats around the next corner. I think I'll be here 2 nights before heading to Pai and possibly some other towns up that way.