Buh Bye, Thailand

Today is my last day in Thailand (for a while, at least). I've been in Chiang Mai for the last 4 days or so. It's been nice and relaxing. It's quite a contrast to Bangkok. Chiang Mai is like Bangkok's lazy kid brother that sits around all day, drinks Singha beer and spends it's nights shopping. The hustle and bustle that I am familiar with in Bangkok is conspicuously absent here. Sure there are a LOT of street-side hawkers, but it's just not on the same level.

Yesterday, I visited the 26th Annual Bor Sang Umbrella Festival. It's not as boring as it sounds. It was very colourful and informative. I never really knew what went into the making of a paper umbrella (not the ones in fruity drinks - but the real ones). It was pretty fascinating to see the construction process of this centuries-old handicraft. And I got some terrific photos as a bonus. While I was there, I got my camera backpack painted too. The same guy that paints the umbrellas painted a big gold and red dragon on my backpack. Pretty cool.

It seems that all the street shopping in Thailand is done at night. I assume that is mostly because it's usually too freaking hot in the day time. Outside my hotel, there is the 'Famous' Night Bazaar. They call it famous, but I am not sure what makes it so. Also, on Sunday nights, there is another market called the Tha Pae Walking Street market. Basically, a normally busy street is shut down to traffic and becomes a night market. This one in particular is full of vendors that sell home-made crafts and art. There is very little of the knock-off polo shirts and Diesel jeans at that market. And, I've come to the conclusion that every blind person in Thailand works as a music busker in a market somewhere. There were dozens of performers - all blind - in this market. Good for them, I guess.

I ate at a great restaurant in a new hotel in the street market area. The hotel is called "U Chiang Mai". It's a very beautiful hotel, and the street-front restaurant and bar was a nice respite from the crowded market. I was expecting to eat some yummy Thai food, but instead I had a cheeseburger. My choice was quickly made, when I saw the item listed on the menu. They called it the "U Bugger". It was the obvious choice.

Tomorrow, I am heading to Manila for a few days. I have not made too many plans yet. I assume some shopping will happen. It's supposed to rain, a lot.