Chiang Mai, Thailand (November 18, 2025)
It’s Tuesday. Be present. We just arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Some people say this was their favorite part of their entire trip to Thailand. But how can that be? We’ve already been to Bangkok and Phuket? In fact, we’re here for just two days and then we’re off to a full on treehouse adventure in the rainforest. And after that, Violet and Elena will be heading back to New York (sniff).
Be. Here. Now. I’m finding it’s more and more difficult to be fully present as the days draw closer to a time when I will no longer be with Elena and Violet. I have so enjoyed their company. Even when they are SO DONE with me taking pictures of them.
I have a new found respect for why my dad took so many pictures!
While there’s so much to see here in Chiang Mai, I find myself being drawn to spending as much time with Elena and Violet as I can for as long as I can while I still can. That said, there are a few things I’d like to share from out trip out of Phuket to Chiang Mai. Like, on the flight, the humidity was so high when we got onto the plane, it was like they had set off a fog machine.
Look closely. See all the clouds of fog? That’s just the air conditioning.
It’s not interesting enough to upload a video, but the fog was coming in strong and for awhile it felt like we had already taken off and were in the clouds, but inside the plane. Another thing that we saw when we first landed in Chiang Mai was another tasteful tribute to the late queen of Thailand.
The flower arrangements are large and many over a month later
This continues to have me consider the impermanence of life. I find it so unfortunate that most of the tributes to the impact of our life happens post-mortem. I bet the queen of Thailand would have loved to have seen all these incredible tributes while she was alive. It’s unfortunate that she is honored and celebrated only now when she is dead and gone.
It’s a wonderful reminder (for me) to cherish and love everyone around me while I’m still here and alive. No use remembering people after they are gone (at least, no use to them). Especially on this trip, I have taken every opportunity to tell Violet and Elena how much they mean to me, how glad I am that they are with me for this part of my journey and how I will miss them when they return home.
Finally, it’s been a wonderful reminder of what truly is important. The places and spaces all over the world are beautiful, unique and creative all in their own right. However, none of them are more important than the people, friends, family and community we create in our lifetime. Home is wherever we choose to create a life. It’s the people, not the places that matter (ultimately) and what we will choose to remember as the years intertwine together.
So What Did We Do In Chiang Mai?
After lunch, Elena and I went temple foraging. I mean heck, we’re staying in “old town” after all. We need but walk around a bit and we’ll instantly see ancient walls, temples and stuff so all we needed to do is venture out past our hotel while Violet turned in for a nice nap.
ABT! Another Beautiful Temple! Elena & Bill venture around Chiang Mai
So which temple was it? Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, and damn! The only thing (custom?) I don’t understand is how showing woman’s knees are somehow offensive. I get that every religion is different, but if men are allowed to walk around in shorts, why not women? And if women must cover their knees, why not make men do the same? But that’s for another conversation elsewhere. Here’s what we saw:
Regardless of how Elena was dressed, she was still able to get a blessing from one of the monks. She was given a braided charm bracelet and then sprinkled with holy water. The monk said a few words of blessings but I wasn’t clear on what was said as those words were said in the Thai language.
Regardless, the essence was about being in good health and prosperity and living a long and happy life. Something along those lines. We both bowed and thanked him for his blessing, paid a tribute and went on our way.
Elena being blessed by a Buddhist Monk. Long live Elena!
And, on the walk back, we saw a number of other interesting artifacts. Some street art. Some (minor?) temples that weren’t on our Chiang Mai old town temple map, and even a “co-pilot” helmet for a mobile phone on a motorcycle delivery vehicle that caught my eye. Just lots to see and take pictures of to capture the “essence of Chiang Mai.”
Full day, right? Well, the day might be over, but Elena is still raring to go to the evening’s street fair. That’s right, Chiang Mai (and much of Thailand to be precise) is will known for for their nightlife and street fairs. I poked through some in Bangkok, but Elena didn’t join me so it didn’t count ;-)
First stop? That boutique Nutella crepe booth that smells so good and everyone seems to be enjoying. Yes, that one:
Crepe, banana, white chocolate, and nutella. What’s not to love?
Yum. Okay, I’m awake and fully into this place now. First stop was a success. Everything after this stop is bonus. I was tempted to purchase a second suitcase here and just pile in all the merchandise. $3-$5 T-shirts, Hats, Fans, and not to mention fully tailored suits if we were spending more than two days here.
Now I’m thinking about this for Vietnam. I know some of the best tailors in the world live in Vietnam so I’m going to have to check this out early to see if I can’t get fully tailored suits and bring them home. I love this part of the world and am excited to explore more of it while I’m here.
The night bizzare was perfect. We didn’t buy much as we are packing up in another day to head to our treehouse experience, but if we were ONLY coming here and going back home, this would be a perfect place to shop, buy souvenirs and share a bit of our Thailand experience with those who’d appreciate it. Besides, it’s fun to support the local economy and so many of the crafts are clearly locally made like the first picture of the artist decorating and painting everything by hand. Wow. So talented (and multi-medium-talented).
Wonderful first day in Chiang Mai. I can see why people fall in love with this part of Thailand.
