Author Archives: Christine

Pai

Not so long ago Pai was an amazing place to visit. I suppose it may still be, but for a different group of travelers now than formerly. The relatively remote Pai has now been ‘discovered,’ and its character greatly altered.  … Continue reading

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Northwestern Thailand – the Mae Hong Son Loop

Oh to travel with no time restrictions, but no, I have only three weeks to dip my toes into northern Thailand. The enticement of the Mae Hong Son road is calling. Rumors of twists and turns and an escape from … Continue reading

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Chiang Mai – The Markets

One of the features which makes Chiang Mai so interesting is its markets – from the tourist oriented Night Bazaar and the Saturday and Sunday Walking streets, to the Talat Warorot, the oldest market in the city.  Located along the … Continue reading

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Chiang Mai – activities and diversions

I mentioned earlier that Chiang Mai seems to have something for everyone.  Had I had unlimited time to explore northern Thailand, I’d have stayed much longer

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a silver temple, and a Chinese

Well, I did say Chiang Mai had temples. So just a few more before we leave Chiang Mai to explore the Mae Hong Son loop road that climbs and winds through the far northwest of Thailand. Barely outside the Old … Continue reading

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More Temples – mountain top and forest

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep overlooks Chang Mai from the top of the mountain  west of the city.  One can reach the top of the mountain (Doi Suthep) by car or taxi, or by shared songthaew.  Some intrepid souls bicycle the … Continue reading

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Chiang Mai – the temples

Despite hearing in advance that Chiang Mai has enough temples that even the most dedicated temple-spotter will be fully satisfied, their density and variety was still amazing. I had a list of temples I particularly wanted to see, yet I … Continue reading

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Chiang Mai – feet on the ground

Much like google crawls the web – that is how I explore a new location.  With some initial destination in mind, and vaguely mindful of how to find my way back to where I began, I head out.  On foot, … Continue reading

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arriving in long anticipated Chiang Mai

All the superlatives one hears about Chiang Mai are true. What had always struck me about Chiang Mai is that it is so strongly recommended by travelers with so many different interests and priorities.  The city lovers and the city … Continue reading

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Central Thailand – Sukhothai

Old City Sukhothai dates from 1238 and was built in area previously ruled by the Khymer. Southeast Asia has undergone layers of change with dominant civilizations in continuous flux. Continue reading

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Yangon – Downtown Streets

In Yangon, near the downtown, the side streets are lined with apartments stacked almost always exactly seven floors above the ground level. At the front is a porch area, usually hanging with drying laundry, mostly barred, and also with barred windows.  … Continue reading

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Yangon – All That Glitters

The stunning golden side of Yangon -the Karaweik Palace is a concrete reproduction of a royal barge

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Yangon

The rooms are not fancy but the floors and walls are wood, perfectly varnished, furnished with everything one needs, and clean. The hot water works, the aircon works, the breakfast is ample and excellent, the staff is quiet and lovely, and there is a small garden area if you would rather be outside than in your room hiding from the afternoon Yangon heat. Continue reading

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Inching Across Burma – Bagan to Inle (Kalaw)

via the locals bus.  Surprisingly, the actual bus we would ride in was the vehicle which came to my hotel at 3:30 am.  After gathering up the pre-booked passengers throughout Nyaung U, it parked by the market where it was … Continue reading

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Internet

Written while in Myanmar, posted while in Myanmar and italicized comments added later. In Myanmar, the internet is gradually becoming more widely available and efficient.  In Yangon it is quite easy to find.  It may run quite well, depending on … Continue reading

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