REASONS TO RELAX

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

Ric Klein learned more about his own city by guiding visitors.

Doi Suthep is a must, so is a river cruise and ample samples of local cuisine, but first time visitors have just asked me questions I couldn't answer - and I live here!

Friends of friends from Maryland, USA, well travelled and knowledgeable about Thailand even before they first set rubber on Thai tarmac, asked me to be an unofficial guide last month.

Bursting with facts (or so I thought!) and genuine enthusiasm about Chiangmai I met them in the lobby of The Westin Riverside where they'd already been most impressed by the 2nd floor China Palace restaurant - very ample, authentic platefuls and excellent service.

"Let's get to a tailor's, get measured up and get out of town for a while" said the party leader, so I quickly took them to the door of The Empire Collection. Well, the door opposite the Imperial Mae Ping actually, which suited our route, though their big place is near the railway station.

With over 10 years of experience, a reliable 24 hour telephone pick-up service and premises open until 10.00pm this represented THE American definition of service, and Jim's suit and Tina's silk blouses were ready in ample time for their departure. "With prices like these we'd be silly not to stock up" winked Tina happily.

"Gold band for the Rolex next!" said Jim. Ah! Drew a blank there……only in Bangkok, folks said…..any ideas?

"Isn't this a part of the world where folk buy rubies?" Yes, and happily I was more help there. Shiraz Jewelry, Thapae Road, where Mr Nasser, his wife and staff sell stones and jewelry which is often valued at triple the purchase price by insurers back home.

JUST LIKE THE REAL THING? Almost! The Spitfire Mk V111 in RAAF livery (no red to avoid confusion with the enemy by ground gunners), arguably the best looking piston-engined plane ever! Framed in dark Thai timber, each piece is numbered and only 1000 pieces will ever be produced. Made by Thai craftsmen with care. Measurement: 24 x 15 x 3.5 cm email: gmorning@chiangmai-online.com PRICE: 1000 BAHT PAYMENT CAN BE MADE ONLINE VISA & MASTER CARD WELCOME

That evening found us in the Night Bazaar with the Akha ladies in their silver decorated caps offering low cost jewelry. "Where does all the silver come from?" demanded our visitor. Ah, er, well! Imported - I think….

"Thai, Italian, German, Japanese, Indian, Belgian, British or French?" I asked as we trundled steadily 'twixt the stalls of Changklan "Night Bazaar" Road, proudly showing off my repertoire of cuisine around there. "French!" came the immediate answer. Ah! The only one I've never been to myself! But La Veranda in the Chiangmai Pavilion was, said Belgian Jean, "good and totally authentic". No fears! Rich, bisque-style mixed fish soup and frogs' legs fricasse followed by specifically-cooked pepper steaks touched the spot and NOT the budgetary limit, it seems. I promise to return very soon and report more fully.

"Out of town" to the visitors meant trips to a long neck Paduang tribe (more next month) and Elephant Nature Park at Mae Taeng, where everyone enjoys the show and rides - and the younger visitors help bathe jumbos in the river! Tour guides - your jobs are safe! Must break off now and mug up the guide books…..

SPAS ARE GO

The Beauty and Spa Vocational Exhibition held by the Ampai Institute of Hair Design & Beauty was opened by Chiangmai Education Officer Khun Tawee Sutaromluck (pictured above with Director Khun Ampai Sheehan). The demonstrations, fashion shows and talks were highly successful and 20 years experience in these areas have been invested in the Siam Spa on the 2nd floor of Chiang Inn Plaza.

More on www.siamspa.biz

A supreme sacrifice which brought lasting freedom

100 years ago, did this brave young Dane save Northern Thailand?

Remembering countless other casualties

David Hardy

Boat racing on the mighty Mekong

Riverbank Stone

Chiangmai and the North

My Chiangmai

David Hardy

Chiangmai Pool League

Night Fowl

Reasons to Relax

Ric Klein

Ric Klein learned more about his own city by guiding visitors.

The Drinks Page

Night Fowl

Letters

ALASKAN CAN JOB SCAM

If you hear someone promoting work in an Alaskan fish canning factory, tell them to can it! Scammers are "recruiting" Thais to work a 2 year contract at US$7 per hour. (...).

Click here to subscribe to the printed edition!