After three activity-filled days of learning about and exploring Chiang Mai, the fourth day of the study trip was ours to do as we pleased. At approximately six am, a few members of our group were up early to see the monks go about their morning ritual of collecting alms. However many of the group decided to forego the opportunity and sleep in instead.
Young monks
After brunch, the members of the In Search of Chiang Mai group separated to spend the day pursuing their own interests. As yesterday was spent cycling around the city, a few of us indulged in Thai massages hoping to rub the exhaustion away, eager to re-energize themselves for the rest of the trip. The Saman dancers on the other hand decided to indulge in some light exercise as they rehearsed for their performance on the last day hoping to perfect the routine. Lochna decided to take part in a Thai cooking class learning to make dishes like the traditional green curry and even learning how to make spring rolls.
Sipping on Thai iced tea
In the afternoon, many of us made our way to the Sunday market which started outside the three king’s museum and extended out until one of the gates of the old fort wall. Filled with a number of trinkets and souvenirs we spent hours fulfilling our shopping addiction. An interesting and embarrassing incident that occurred while the members of the Saman dance were bargaining for sarongs when they suddenly realised that everyone around them had gone both quiet and still. It turned out that the Thai national anthem - the Phleng Chat Thai - was playing to signify the opening of the market. This patriotism and nationalistic feeling present in the Thai people was simply amazing as they stopped everything they were doing in order to show respect to their king and country.
Another anecdote that occurred at the Sunday market definitely put a ‘spark’ in the evening’s adventures as a stall’s light bulb exploded next to Anthea when she stopped to examine a bag she found interesting. What was most amusing was the fact that through the smoke and flames she was found to be holding on to the bag, protecting it from harm. Truly a bag to die for?
Saman rehearsal
Jelly paradise
Bangles at the Sunday market
Even in the short time we have been here the city, its diversity in terms of its culture, food, historical places, breath-taking architecture and scenery never cease to amaze me. With three more days left to discover Chiang Mai, we hope this is enough time for us to dig up more knowledge and discover new sides to the city. The FIFA world cup final between Spain and Holland provides the perfect ending to another day in search of Chiang Mai.
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