I start walking along the road. There are stalls of food, clothes, art, knick knacks. I keep walking. The street still continues. This is the Sunday walking street market in Chiang Mai. It appears to be the longest street ever! I keep walking. Then I see it! A small Christmas tree on a stall hung with baubles. I have to look more closely. The man shows me that it is spun into a ball from shiny thread. Even before him saying, “Special price, just for you” I am already getting out my money. My first Christmas decoration while travelling. The market has a great atmosphere and does eventually end at the town walls. I enjoy diverting off into the side streets, examining items on tables and going into illuminated temples.
Chiang Mai has lots more temples and Buddhas for me to look at.
White Temple, Chiang Rai
In my head, I don’t really know what to do with the first sight of the White Temple. I have never seen anything like it. The complete whiteness contrasts with all the other temples I have visited. You walk through the pit of hell, past the hands scrabbling and clutching for air. Then underneath the threatening demons, weapons raised ready to attack. Even the dragons have tone of menace as they consume the tail of the beast in front. On reaching the temple, I am faced with murals depicting aspects of modern life in cartoon form. Again, nothing I’ve ever seen before. Yes there is the Buddha statue at one end of the sanctuary, where people can pray in front of, but the whole temple has a very different feeling altogether (which I think is the point).
Birthdays!
A new friend, a piano playing Happy Birthday, a cake and a candle, a personal visit from the owner of the restaurant, attentive service and good food. This was my belated Birthday meal at David’s Kitchen in Chiang Mai. Heather, who I had only met the day before, kindly invited me to share her Birthday meal. I nearly didn’t go. I’m so glad I did – I had such a good time.
Journeys with my pencil 