Chiang Mai

Was feeling really unproductive in Bangkok so I decided to head on up North. I took an overnight bus ride to Chiang Mai where I plan on settleing for 7 months or so.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand and has about 160,000 people in it. Not nearly as crowded or crazy as Bangkok, but it has all the city ammenities.

I got a used bike and have been exploring the city. Met some other travelers and even a few locals. I think it may be frustrating that so many people come in and out so frequently. A guy from Santa Cruz I met comes for a few months every year and he said the average stay is 2.5 days. Maybe it's just the neighborhood that I'm in though.

I looked into a long term place today, but am not sold on it. I'd like to find a place where I won't have to move out of while I'm here, but I don't know the city well enough to pick an area yet. I'll do some more research tomorrow.

So my first day in the city was grand. I already have a few job leads and plan on making a bunch more calls tomorrow. I found a place that will be showing the Red Sox games! And also stumbled across the meeting pub for the Hash House Harriers (a national running club). And found a gym and massage place, both that come with high recommendations.

Today I had my first Thai lesson from a sweet Thai woman. She taught me a lot in the first half hour, but it is slow going. The word Mai can be said in 5 different tones to mean 5 different things. It is so tough. I am practicing.