Barbara's Travel Journal

Thanks to everyone who has written to me about my blog. In answer to one question - how do I get around in Chaing Mai-well I mostly use Shanks Pony as it is such an interesting city and there is something to see and do at every corner. There are dozens of WATS which are temple complexes surrounded by a high wall. Inside the wall are statues, lots of gold ornamental work, the actual temple and living and working places for the monks. Dozens of places offering Thai massage, which is quite wonderful, shops, street stalls and literally hundreds of places to eat. Thai people seem to graze 6 or 7 times a day and I am getting into that habit too.

But-getting around. Top of the toem pole are the Air Cons. Luxoury air-conditioned buses with leather recliner seats, food service and TV. Then there are other buses, some Air Conditioned some not. Then there is the city bus which travels on a fixed route for 30c a trip. My favourite though is the songkow, a privately owned open sided, step in at the back two long seats and rails to hang on with. You just flag one down, tell the driver where you want to go and if he is going that way he says yes. If not you just wait until the next one comes along.
Anywhere, anytime 50c. The drivers usually speak some English although not as much as they pretend, which can lead to some pretty amazing long rides. I usually tell the driver then get into the bus and ask in anyone speaks English, which many do. I then tell them where I want to go and they confirm that the diriver is going to the right place. It all works rather well except that the other day I ended up at the airport instead of the dentist!!!

Below that is the Tuk-Tuk the bain of the tourist. These are two-seater carts with tops, driving by maniacs on motorbikes. The only advantage is that its a direct ride, unlike the Songkow which may have a number of people to deliver in different directions. Price for a Tuk-Tuk is $1.50 but a bit of negotiation has to take place to get to that price.

Below the Tuk-Tuk is the bike rickshaw - man pulling rickshaw is outlawed here.
actually its rather fun to take the rick-shaw if you are not in a hurry, you get to see a lot that way. So thats how to get around in Thailand. Tourists also rent bikes and scooters and of course cars although I am not sure I would be too happy driving a car over here.

Do keep writing to me, I love to hear from you all and yes, I am buying beads and stones - more on that later after I have met with my friends from thenorther hill tribes. Barbara