Around town

After home schooling we went in search of food in the old, walled ctiy. This part of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a wide moat and high walls with several gates. It was originally established in 1296 and, although it has become quite a contemporary town, it still feels strange to walk through the Tha Phae Gate every time we want to visit this part of town. The walls are crumbling and only parts of them are stable, so this adds to the aura of the old town.


The restaurant where we had our lunch was a typical Thai restaurant, meaning it had a garage-door type entryway, leading to a long and narrow seating area. There were plastic stools around the wooden tables (although folding tables are more common) and we had a variety of condiments like chili sauce, pickled chilis, chili powder, ... you get the picture! The atmosphere was great though - easy going clientelle and friendly service. Who needs the soft cushioned chairs with high backs and the dark wood table, all resting on plush carpet? You could even see right into the kitchen and watch them prepare your food!

After a short walk around the old town after lunch, we found the shop of Goli's father - the lady we had met in Yasothon. He has a jewelry shop close to our hotel. We had a cup of tea and good visit with him. We also met another couple - Thai lady and American husband - who live in Oregon, and also have a home in Chiang Mai. They had come back for a 3-month stay here to get away from the winter. Not a bad idea!

Goli's dad, Nasser, told us he and his family have been living in Thailand for 40 years (he migrated here from Iran). He speaks Thai fluently, as well as English and Persian. His advice for learning Thai was to "eat more Thai food!" We did not take his advice tonight though, because we went to a Mexican food place for dinner. We had tacos and chimichangas - yumm!!

This was a real treat because you don't find Mexican in Thailand very often.

We have registered for a full-day Thai cooking course tomorrow and will learn to make a selection of foods, so that should be fun. We have to make sure we learn to make Pad Thai, which has become Yasmin's favourite Thai dish. She likes to put chili powder, fish sauce, etc. on it for an added kick! I hope we can make it to the same taste at home, or another trip to Thailand may be required!

NM