Wandering the city of Chiang Mai
Cheap tuk-tuk fare to the inner city
Early afternoon, after a break, I decided to go wandering the city. I am taking it easy today and just want to enjoy a visit to some famous temples in the inner city. My accommodations provide a tuk-tuk driver who will take me to any location in the city for a fee of 40 baht. However, during the ride, the driver attempts to negotiate for additional payment, but I am able to decline his request reasonably quickly.
Wandering the city from temple to temple
My driver drops me off at the temple the furthest away, Wat Phra Sing; for the rest of my intended visits, I will walk on foot. Next, I go to Wat Phan Tao and the adjacent Wat Chedi Luang. What strikes me about these temples is that you always have a contemporary section that features either one or multiple statues of the Buddha, followed by the remaining components of the original temple. In my opinion, especially Wat Chedi Luang is particularly noteworthy.
At the exit, a tuk-tuk driver tries to persuade me to make a trip past several temples, plus some handicrafts centers. But I decline the offer. That typifies the hustle and bustle of the tourist area in Chiang Mai a bit. They offer you their services, giving suggestions and advice, but not pressuring you into anything.
Sayings from Buddha
On foot, wandering the city further, I make my way to the oldest temple, Wat Chiang Man – at least, I think I visit this one. However, upon realizing my mistake, I make a mental note to visit the correct temple at a later time. Around the whole complex, there are sayings from Buddha about life, on small, green signs, written in both Thai and English. Some of them are very accurate and precise.
Late lunch at a sandwich bar
After visiting four temples today, I feel satisfied and decide to rest on the small terrace of a sandwich bar. I order a late lunch and find out that the process is straightforward – you choose what kind of bread you want, and you add some toppings of your choice. I opt for tuna with various accompaniments, a potato salad, and a refreshing lime-based iced tea which all taste amazing.
Looking for a bar to linger
I prefer not to spend too much time aimlessly wandering the city today, so I am going towards Night Bazaar, which is gradually being set up – later on, it turns out (again) it is a different market. I am mainly looking for a bar to linger in. On the other side of the river, there appears to be a pub that is popular among tourists, The Riverside. So that is where I am heading to. But it is currently not very busy at half past six in the evening. Although more individuals are arriving, I do not plan to stay because I am exhausted, and the event appears to be too large for me.
Chatting with the staff
After a second shower in the guesthouse, make my way to the bar for a couple of beers. The serving staff strikes up a conversation with me and shares her concerns about her boyfriend’s eagerness to get married and their social life. Two other female workers, who I suspect are also employed at the guesthouse, are present. One of them gazes at me frequently and chuckles with a hint of nervousness. Both barely speak English, so I ignore them.
Drinking too many beers
Somewhat later, a couple from the Netherlands shows up. I engage in a discussion with them; about their four-day trekking starting tomorrow, about my previous trips, their journeys, musical preferences, and even political views. In summary, although I did not intend to spend much time here, I consume several pints of beer, until they call it a day due to their scheduled trek tomorrow.
Not knowing how to deal with the situation
Right before closing time, another – assumed – maid appears. She wears a stunning black gown with her hair let down. I observe that she seems to have taken a liking to me, but I am unsure of the extent to which this is true. Until the owner of the guesthouse tells me that the girl wants to go out with me. However, I am unsure how to handle this situation, so I retreat to my room to sleep by myself.