Arrival in Chiang Mai

After 12 hours on the overnight night - not too worse for wear, huh?

On Wednesday 14 March, B & I took the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.  We bought a first class sleeper car again and were quite comfortable.  The a/c on this one was not as high and I was better prepared with long-sleeved shirt and socks for us both.  We asked the conductor for extra blankets, but he refused even after offer him a "bribe"...lol  The only major problem was the western toilet quit working after only an hour's use - agh! 

my ticket - it cost about $42! and we purchased on-line with 12goAsia

Enjoying the comforts of our cabin.  I had the upper berth - a bit of a struggle to climb, but lots of headroom and cozy.  

even B fits nicely -  lol!

Chiang Mai station

B is not sure he can pedal us to the hotel or if the baggage will fit...lol!

looks like the end of the line for this engine

Our room was even ready at 945am!  Wow, the Golden Bell is great!  We unpacked (I did and B got his morning nap in...) then we reconnoitered the area around the hotel.  Just across the street is the front gates to the old city, the canal and the local market.  

the old wall to the original city

topiary along the canal

hmm, interesting foods but today B saw a foot long rat  - don't think I'll eat here

all fried pork - pretty yummy, tastes like bacon chips!  think pork rinds, but better

Cat, is this bag big enough?

After walking around a bit, we came back to the room and B had his afternoon nap...  I am finally well and his appetite is improving so I think we should be good at the elephant sanctuary next week.  We wanted Italian for dinner so I googled it and we took a tuk-tuk to the night market area.  The Italian place was closed, but we found an English pub.  B had fish & chips and I had pot pie.  It was okay, and not Asian food, but I may let him choose Burger King next time...lol  

to market, to market, to buy ???  who knows, half the fun...lol

pics

gorgeous colors on these bags & purses & backpacks

unsure of what this was, but dragons!!

more dragons

elephants! Rocky...cute 

boy on a bench

the night market sprawls outside and inside

Our first day in Chiang Mai was fun - today we booked a river cruise and temple tour.  Friday is Thai Farm Cooking school!  Have a great day today and a better one tomorrow...