21 November 2014. Five Wats and the bus station

Today was a day of far greater achievement. Not only did I take my other pair of trousers in for alteration but I also collected them. They were a bit big for me and I decided to take the opportunity of getting them reduced for £1. The lady would not yet get a job in Savile Row but her handiwork is perfectly good for my requirements.

On top of that I bought some flip flops (£4) and a cap (£2). The prices even for tourists really are incredible and goodness knows what locals pay - but goodness knows what they earn as well.

Apart from this little frisson of consumerism and went to check out the local bus station as I wanted to take a bus to a national park rather than being on an organised trek/excursion. In fact, there was a certain amount of information in English as well as a very helpful lady who pointed me in the right direction - literally. One for Monday I'm hoping. Time is flying by.

Having done the bus station, I set about  ticking off a few Wats. According to Wikipeadia, there are more than 300 in Chiang Mai and I guess, one can get Wated out. But I find the calmness off them and of the chanting very appealing.

In the evening I walked down the girlie bar road which gives a completely different take on the town. It's not as full on as Bangkok but still there is the gauntlet of beckoning massage parlours. Rather than walking back down the same road I did a right and right again and seemed to walk for ages but eventually came to a vaguely familiar area. Turning a corner I came across a restaurant heaving with locals and with all the food being freshly cooked under one's eyes/nose. It seemed an obvious choice and I had a delicious meal for £1.20. The other people at my table were really friendly as was the owner. All asked where I was from and the global brand of London brought instant recognition.