In the beginning

We left ATL at 8:15 Friday evening, and after a 12 hour time change, 3 different flights, and 24 hours in the air, we landed in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Low and behold, it was Sunday afternoon. We still aren’t sure what happened to Saturday. Stops in LAX and PVG (Shanghai) are a blur, but I guess we spent our Saturday there. We had minor problems with ticketing because of our multi-stop tickets but after a lot of patience and a lot of line-standing, we worked it out.

Our newest dilemma, is this: Which is worse? Lost boyfriend or lost luggage?

We met a young lady on our 14 hour jaunt to Shanghai traveling alone. She went on to explain that she would be meeting her boyfriend in Hong Kong to celebrate the new year. Due to miscommunication, he booked his flight on the wrong airline to Hong Kong! She was hoping to reconnect on the other end. Well, I bet you know where that story is leading us. Yep, our brand-spanking-new luggage never made it to Chiang Mai. Yep, 53 days worth of essentials -gone! They promised to have it here tomorrow. Have you heard that one before?

It didn’t take long to experience our first scam. We had been told to pay no more than $150 Bahts ($4.50 US) for aa taxi ride from the airport and to ask for the taxi inside. We followed the directions exactly and still paid double.

We found our way to the Junior House. It is a great little place, recommended by a friend! What it lacks in amenities, and that’s not much, it has in location and friendly staff. Right in the middle of the old city, we quickly took a stroll around.

The Old City is surrounded by a moat. Each Sunday evening, there is a hugh night-market inside the city walls. Unbelievable! Artisans appear from around the country. Great street food. Crafts. Massages of all kinds. Art. Clothing. Performers. One can ramble for hours

We also visited some lavish temples and we’ve already lost count of the Buddhas. Monks roam the area and we are looking forward to chatting with them tomorrow.

Did I say Thai food? Let’s just say 3 things: Spicy, Inexpensive, Delicious. Dumplings are becoming a favorite and the soups are oh-so-good. We loved the vegetarian varieties tonight! Had some of the hottest spices ever. Had to order extra water and will remember to tell them I’m a wimp next time. Oh, and did I say George had his first Thai beer, Chang. He said it might not be his last!

Early to bed after 48 hours with no real one to sleep in! Dreaming of luggage appearing at our hotel tomorrow.