Hello from a new place!
But a familiar place.
This is my third October in Chiang Mai.
Every year, after the Bangkok conference, a bunch of us migrate north for a few weeks, a few months, or a few years!
On Friday, I’m going to a Halloween party at a friend’s house; he’s English, his wife is Thai, they have two kids, and they’ve been here for years.
But the first time I came to Chiang Mai, I didn’t like it.
I thought it was noisy – lots of scooters, airplanes flying over – and chaotic – no sidewalks, lots of scooters….
But now, it’s starting to grow on me.
The people are super friendly.
At Starbucks, when my drink is ready, I’m not just “Ryan” I’m “Mr. Ryan.”
Life is easy.
A friend is going to London in November for foot surgery. He told me that in order to rent an apartment he needed to reserve it three months in advance and leave a month’s deposit. Whereas, he booked his Chiang Mai apartment the day before arriving without any problems.
There are tons of interesting restaurants and cafes. (So why am I going to Starbucks…?)
And it’s always summer, even if there isn’t a beach.
