Chiang Mai - Markets, Temples & Cooking

I am in Chiang Mai, in the North (West) region and the second largest city of Thailand. The area is mountainous. Hot days, cool nights - to the Thai's it is winter. Yet again i caught a night train from Bangkok. A 15hr journey. At least it left at night. This time I travelled fan class and not A/C class. It did not feel like a fridge, but as we entered the cooler region it did get a bit chilly - I know, I know a harsh life! Before catching the night train, spent the day with Adrian, a Polish guy from the Hostel who was stuck in Thailand. Spent at least 7 hours walking around the city. Great photos including the flower market and off course more temples, which I need to post at some point. I am starting to slip. I know you are all waiting with batted breath for the next instalment of 'The Road to Delhi' but you all going to have to be patient.

What have I done since arriving in Chiang Mai? Well I am no longer travelling alone. Hooked up with Seb, a Dutchman, and Ulli German - they have lived for a while in Australia - on the night train. I met Seb in the Bangkok youth hostel. They were of course stars of the previous video blog - yes dr²g, I did need to pay them.

I have been staying with Seb in one of Chiang Mai Youth Hostel and we make up 2/3 of their clientel. The closing of Bangkok Airport has considerably reduced the number of backpackers/tourist in Chiang Mai. The prices of organised tours and events have in consequence droped in price. Yesterday we then visited a temple on the mountain overlooking the city. Today a Thai cooking course and tomorrow a day adventure treK. On Friday the country grinds to a halt - not related to any airport occupation - for the Kings Birthday.

Well I better start writing, in the meantime enjoy a few photos!