Spotlight: Chiang Mai, Thailand!

Chiang Mai had the power, turning on that 'Spotlight', I wanted to light up that Thai destination! 'Wat Chedi Luang' served 'Buddhist Temple Realness' in the best way! Three Kings? I was all about those Trans 'Kratoey' performers at Chiang Mai's 'Ram Bar!' Chiang Mai's moat style waters glowed before the evening took centre stage! Yes, Bangkok did feel a million miles away! 

My overnight train from Bangkok had arrived bang on time, after checking into my 'Cozy Inn' hostel, I headed towards 'Wat Chedi Luang'. Chiang Mai possessed a small town feel, it was sleepy but I wasn't mad about that! Those box cut streets didn't produce much traffic so it was fine to walk without caution, I had those maps open because I wanted to hit the ground running the right way! Arriving at the temple wasn't difficult, although I had to get used to those rules. I had continued to dress in my modest cotton trousers and shirt, access wasn't denied. After paying my coins, I found the impressive ruins of the large stupa. It wasn't busy because I had caught that focal point early on! I wasn't there for the history, I simply wanted to gawk and appreciate that Chiang Mai icon. Hitting everybody with her catwalk, people were showing respect to that previously mentioned large stupa. Chiang Mai served drip, the temple lived honestly and I knew she wasn't going to play with those tourists who acted the fool! Pray up, C! 

I took my time, taking my photos I did as those 'Chedi Luang' views slapped! I wasn't in no rush, I was glad that the stupa had not been renovated, somethings deserve to age gracefully. Those elephants were so cute, I was about to see real elephants during that sector of the trip, that was a great introduction. The weather was gorgeous, it was dry with the heat but the breeze kept me from overheating! Hustling those tourists sites, I knew it was my moment to bid a fond farewell to that Chiang Mai point of interest. Where would I head to next? I headed back out onto the streets with a certain hunger that I knew I needed to satisfy. Being perfectly honest, I didn't have a strict plan but Instagram was about to do the bare minimum to inspire me. Making friends with the pavement, I walked away from that temple with much business to take care, I needed some mango sticky rice and a Thai tea! Definitely, 'Wat Chedi Luang' had been lovely and the calmness of the city impressed me! Three royal figures would show me how to wear it well! Yes! 

Clocking the jewels, muscles and prowess with the quickness! Representing the 'Lanna Kingdom', I had no idea about the 'Three Kings Monument' as I walked closer to my second breakfast. I was just walking without a purpose, heading towards 'Sri Poom Road' at the 'North Gate'. Serving 'Royal Highness' were three powerful king figures from yesteryear, Kings Mangrai, Ramkhamhaeng & Ngam Mueang served their poses as the founding fathers of that former Thai 'Lanna' Kingdom. Founding fathers? I wanted to find out which royal figure was the true 'Mother of the House!' 'The Chiang Mai Historical Centre' served as the backdrop for those kings in statue form, a western style building did give a clash of cultures. The statues had been adorned with decorative jewellery, looking more like something suggestive in a way as their muscular physiques gave me something pleasing to look at! Headpieces for the gods, these kings were fresh to death, it was an unexpected gem! I needed to find myself a real Thai king! Really!

'Mi Xue?' Oh, no! I wasn't about to not support the Thai economy because I could get an ice cream from a local vendor! Bidding another fond farewell, I left those delicious looking statues behind, I had more to see! Making myself at home, I found a 7 Eleven because I needed to sup on a can of Leo beer! Chiang Mai had been multi-faceted from the get go, it was the gift that kept on giving! I had time for those 'Three Kings' but had no intention to give the 'Historical Centre' any mind, that was OK! Going onto the next street allowed me to near the 'Old City Moat' but I had some temples to seek out! Mentioned briefly during 'Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner', I was able to find some solace at 'Wat Rajamontean' because I wanted to. I actually didn't want to leave the 'Old City' because I loved the fact I was staying in that historic centre. Preciously, I wanted to shine the 'Spotlight' on places within the 'Old City' with places that day clocked with confidence. Chiang Mai had allowed me to see a lot, I was just getting started! Oh, I had a certain craving! 

I have been to a lot of international and far flung destinations but Chiang Mai was amazing, turning 'City Moat' looks in every direction! Giving more than I could've wanted, I saw those lily pad waters looking stunning, serving another slice of Thai beauty and then some! Was Chiang Mai giving me the 'Old City Moat Sensation' or not?! Of course, I strolled with purpose along those city limits because I didn't want to claim back any refunds! The sun was almost setting, I was able to collect a stunning sunset view as I was living my life in Chiang Mai. Doing it right, the traffic didn't bother me because I had chosen a quieter side of Chiang Mai's moat honeypot locations. I wasn't about to waste my time to take one statement photo with hoards of slow paced and irritating tourists being half soaked. I knew that I was doing right, taking the scenic route pleased me because Chiang Mai treated me to it! I wish every destination was set within an old city with its own moat, that wasn't a request! I needed to keep my focus, I saw green things! 

Cravings? Bangkok had supplied some blazing treats with a herbal nature and I wanted more! I knew that I needed to keep my composure because nothing good would come from those legalised highs, I knew better! I really didn't though! Chiang Mai kept on shining as I made my way around the moat, it was such a therapeutic walk, I didn't want to ever go home again because I was dreaming! Chiang Mai and myself weren't going to fall out but as mentioned I was trying to avoid idiocy, 'Tha Pae Gate' unfortunately didn't make me want to stick together with those tourists, a mighty no! Nevertheless, I kissed goodbye to the tranquil corners of the moat with those undeniable views snatched. It was time for me to eat something, feeling like not giving it away, you'll need to hop over the Chiang Mai's edition of 'Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner' because I won't tell you twice! Chiang Mai didn't have me feeling unsatisfied, I knew that her 'Spotlight' would shine brighter as night approached! Getting it together, I had a show to see!

Bangkok had produced a mesmirising variety show of all kinds during my initial night out within Silom's Soi 4! I headed for the 'Ram Bar' to see one of their shows, it was early on so I headed for a drink at a rainbow themed bar before the 9 P.M show started. That street near Ram Bar was a contrast, with two types of tastes catered for, across the road wasn't for me. People had come from all cross-sections of life, Ram Bar was filled with a lot of straight people who had came to see the show, they were just curious! I saw people from select countries who were soaking up the culture because Thailand serves diversity, nothing is off limits because it was just love! The performers graced the stage, looking like a hot temptation, I was caught off guard by these Kratoey performers beauty! Performing show tunes and much more, it was another lip sync showdown! The crowds were getting a lot and the venue was small, I really didn't want to stand much longer! Sure, I was supposed to be asleep, I had a trip the next day to 'Chiang Rai!' Sleep?

I was impressed with the routines, it screamed to me that they rehearsed well and the tourist crowd were impressed. I was! The show at Ram Bar was amazing, it felt great to tick off a second show in two places! I decided to leave as the bar became busier than it could handle, I walked down the street I had found previously. I knew that the night had at least one more drink left, make that two because I was on my holidays! Heading back to my hostel room had to be done, the day had been long and very productive. I had booked tours and experiences that would take me away from the city centre, I had made the best of that first and only full day in Chiang Mai. I knew that every facet of that day had been completed with gratitude and every attraction visited pleased me. Talking about my hostel, I had booked a private room because I don't do dorms anymore. That nights sleep was short but I was at least able to make it back without waking anyone else up! The soju was a choice, I would find out about their effects in the morning! Done!

Shining Bright! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure