THAILAND (Chiang Mai): Back to the Future

After a blissful two weeks traveling through the pastoral lands of Laos, I have returned once more to the land of properly paved roads, 7-11s and other trappings of the more "developed" world. This time, however, I know better than to go to Bangkok (unless I absolutely have to) and have thus chosen to drop my bags here in the bustling northern metropolis of Chiang Mai.

I just arrived here yesterday morning and aside from a bit of scouting around last night and this morning, have seen not a whole lot of the city...but my general feel for the city thus far is that it is to Thailand what Kyoto is to Japan -- free from skyscrapers littering the skyline and surrounded by lush green hills, it is a major city nonetheless, an ancient capital, a sanctuary of traditional culture, a city peppered with ancient temples and institutions of learning. Bookstores are about as common in this area as street hawkers selling noodles. I love it.


As added bonus, internet access is cheap, readily accessible and fast. I've uploaded a bunch of photos from the past couple of weeks to my photostream that can be accessed by clicking on the following link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/67916188@N00/date-taken-calendar/

teaser shot from collection of photos shot in Laos

Apologies as I can't be bothered to put the shots in order and write proper commentary at this time...but maybe in the future. Honest.

Much thanks to those of you who continue to peek at the blog and leave comments. Proper replies are in the works.