Sundays have always been rather special days for me, and the ones I have been so fortunate to spend here in Chiang Mai have been just that. Is this an innate thing because I happen to celebrate my birthday in the zodiacal sign of Leo, ruled by the sun, which makes this day more special to me than the others, or is it connected to something external, such as environment or everyday circumstances? I will not attempt to explain why I think it’s more likely due to the former theory because I am spurred on to write this post simply wishing to let you in on what this Sunday has been like for me.
My husband and I have actually managed to carve out some kind of routine since we arrived in Chiang Mai with Sundays morphing into the day when we take a break from each other. He sets off early for his church activities, while I set about doing all those things I never seem to get done when he’s around. As I walked down the street to ‘Good Morning Chiang Mai Coffee’ for a delicious Western style breakfast of eggs, bacon, whole grain toast, and an americano coffee this morning, I was struck by all the things I could write about this colourful city (if I had the time) and felt an overwhelming urge to get another post done. So typical of this country and particularly this city which is becoming like a second home for me, as I turn down the little soi to reach my destination, I am greeted by friendly waves and “Sawadeekas”. I quickly note just how much I love these people as each year I get to know them better. The Thai are basically quite reserved and conservative compared to the Vietnamese, whom I also fell in love with, so it takes longer to get to know them, at least this is my experience.
After my breakfast which didn’t disappoint, I managed to get my blog started and visit a nearby park where I caught up on some reading and some sun. This park attracts all kinds of people, both Thai and farang (Thai word for foreigner), who want to practice and quite possibly show off their talents ranging from singing, playing an instrument, practising complex Hatha yoga postures, or carrying out some healing modalities. With so much going on it, I found it difficult to get any real reading done. Additional items of interest were cute Thai toddlers and their families whose main past time is to eat and make sure the pigeons get their fair share,too.
Later on in the day, Graham and I met up with some friends from Holland over dinner at a little and cheap Japanese restaurant in our neighbourhood. For the past few weeks we had been crossing paths with this young couple, so we thought it was time to get to know one another a bit better. We both agree it’s a treat to talk to young people and get their perspective on travel and what they hope to achieve in life. They have been travelling throughout South East Asia for over four months and have no firm plans for ever returning to Holland. Meryn is what is becoming known as a ‘digital nomad’ eking out a living by writing on-line. He has already written a couple of books on poker and gambling and is now setting his sights on writing a book on meditation. Rosalie has plans to write a book but is having some trouble with her motivation. She is being distracted by the many yoga and meditation classes at her disposal in Chiang Mai. It is truly amazing how this city is fast becoming a magnet for all the ‘digital nomads’ like Meryn and Rosalie who are taking and using their skills wherever they travel. It’s part of a new generation.