Sawadee Khrap
Be sure and check out and bookmark the new “Gay in Chiang Mai Guideâ€
Thanks to Peter, Bonton Productions, and www.Radchada.com
Ciao
Category: [b] Places we like
CityLife Garden Fair 2017
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from visiting the CityLife Garden Fair at JJ Markets this 
morning. Kevin, Mike and myself went together and had a great time and good food. There was a very large attendance and some great booths there – food , artist, clothing, hand made items, including some hand made pop-up birthday and occasion cards. I bought several. And you know me I am always on the alert for photogenic guys. For me the highlight of the day was meeting “Latte†(hope I spelling right).
Ciao
Doi Angkhang trip–Day 3 Mae Teang
Sawadee Khrap
I think the most miserable and also the best part of our trip was staying here at Chiang Dao Hut & Kitchen.
As I pointed out in the last post we stayed at the “White House†– but it was very cold and damp, hard to sleep, but we were really rewarded with a amazing view in the morning – no fog and such a wonderful place. 
Truly worth the stop – we caught a quick breakfast here but I insisted on a western place for lunch, very tired of Thai food all day. So off we went to Mae Teang and the elephants. On the way we passed some monks doing their morning walk for alms. And finally at Mae Teang we stopped at the first major resort we came across – Sibsan Resort & Spa – 5 star – as posted on the internet. It’s an amazing place but definitely 5 star with the prices to go with it. We had the buffet lunch (total 1,400 baht) which was good but not exceptional, but the grounds were emulate, service exceptional, and loaded with guests. A very cute driver drove us from the parking lot to the main hall for lunch – in fact all the guys were very cute and handsome – great eye candy. After lunch we headed up the main road to the elephant camps and the rapids area. Not enough water to really take a “white water†raft ride down but still very picturesque. And both of us had already been to the elephant camps before so that didn’t spark a need to stop and check them out.
The slideshow is in order and takes you through the day.
Now that the main images have been posted I intend to go back and choose some of the most sticking of them to do Photoshop work on.
Ciao
Doi Angkhang trip–Day 2 Chiang Dao
Sawadee Khrap
At 7 Am we had breakfast at Tangerine Villa and then off to Chiang Dao. It was very foggy almost all the way there so no photos. Not too far from Chiang Dao mountain the fog broke and we got a great look – (the slideshow is in time order). We stopped at this amazing Wat, don’t know the name and my GPS wasn’t working at the time so I cannot locate it now – sorry. The most important thing here is the depiction of Buddhist Hell and the type of suffering and torture that they think takes place. In the back temple area they were even raising their own wild hog – big. From here we headed toward Chiang Dao Cave, but both of us had been there before so we continued on to the Baan View Resort – a very small tribal resort (if you can call it that – mostly for campers)perched on the side of a hill. Great view and I had a Thai style omelet over rice – but the strangest thing was the dead mouse hanging on the wall next to the radio – I didn’t ask why it was hanging there – afraid what the answer might be. Everything is in sequence in the slideshow
We then headed back to the Chiang Dao Hut and Kitchen for a quick lunch and on the way to Sri Sung Wan Waterfall and from there on to the Pong Arng Hot Springs. Leaving the Hot Springs we ran across a field of garlic – neat rows – first time I had seen garlic planted this way. Then on to Wat Phar That Doi Mon Ching a Burmese (Thai Yai as they are called here) style temple. Not far from the temple we spotted a field of blossoming Mango trees – I had never seen these before so got a couple of shots. And on the way back we spotted some young boys enjoying a swim. The Chiang Dao Hut & Kitchen, where we were going to stay for the night – the “White House†we took went for 1200 Baht/night – and with no heat it was terribly damp and cold that night- cuddling helped but still cold. Better view in the morning so I’ll post that next post on the Mae Tang part of the trip tomorrow. Again the Slideshow is in order.
Tomorrow I will post about the final Mae Tang portion of the trip.
Ciao
Doi Angkhang Trip
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from a trip to Doi Angkhang, Chiang Dao, and then to Mae Tang and back to Chiang Mai – 3 days. Over 600 photos so I will make several posts to cover it all. I was joined by a friend “Narin†and we had a great time.
First we went to Doi Angkhang Agricultural Station near Fang. The flowers are spectacular and the mountain area so peaceful.
And then back to Fang and stayed at the “Tangerine Villa†for the evening – Nice accommodations – 850B including breakfast. We did have to move to a new room when a group of young Thais moved into the room next door and started partying – but the Hotel moved us quickly so no problem
. Nice place to stay and good night sleep.
I will continue the adventure in the next couple of posts.
Ciao
Rainy Update–Mae Klang Waterfall
Sawadee Khrap
Looks like I visited Mae Klang Waterfall at the right time last week – See post before – the latest storm really dumped a lot of water and just saw this video posted by Khun Sakaussawin 
on his Facebook page. – Click on image to start the video
You can also check out Thai Visa’s announcement.
Ciao
CMU freshman Suthep Walk
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from driving Team to CMU, 4 AM, so he could get in position to greet the Freshmen on their annual walk to Wat Doi Suthep. This is a 12 KM hike ( 8 miles). Since he’s already a Bachelor Graduate, he will be stationed somewhere along the path to assist the new students in their merit climb. I hope to have some personal photos to post when he gets back tonight.
He just got some photos at the start with his Faculty of Medicine Group before they started up the trial – but no shots as the climb went on – he also came back with the start of a bad cold – 
 also check out this video from the University.
Ciao
Mae Ya & Mae Klang Waterfalls
Sawadee Khrap
Today we went down to the base of Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong District for a morning drive and chance to get away. Walked to each waterfall and got some photos but didn’t stay for along time – had to get back and get some house chores done.
Mae Ya Waterfall 
Mae Klang Waterfall
Both real beautiful falls but it’s been a dry, wet season and the rivers are real low – last time I was here you could not approach the falls because of the high fear from the fast currents and possible flash floods. – but today everything seemed quite calm. Nevertheless if was a good morning and luckily we got back before the overcast skies let loose any rain.
Ciao
Carmina Burana Concert
Sawadee Khrap
Last night Mike and I attended the Carmina Burana Concert presented by The Chiang Mai 
Youth Philharmonic Band and Symphony Orchestra Foundation of The College of Music, Payap University, at the Kad Theatre – Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center.
Click on the image above to view the short video
A masterpiece by Carl Orff. Solo trumpetist  Jakrapan Chaiya and conductor Chaipruck Mekara. Far beyond my level of sophistication but never the less a great evening.
I used the new Sony A7R11 and shot at 16,000 ISO for the images in the slideshow – There was noise but nothing like the older 7D. It was well attended and the theatre was fairly dark – I did shoot some at 5000 ISO but the shutter speed was too slow – so for the balance of the performance I used the higher .
Ciao
Physical Therapy – not disc problem
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from Sriphat Physical Therapy Center for the second ultra-sound and lumbar traction session. Both shoulders and lower back received 7 minuets each of ultra-sound deep massage and then in for 20 min of lumbar traction = total cost 300 Baht $9. I was at Tao Gardens 2 weeks ago for just lower back ultra-sound and was charged 1700 Baht. Quite a savings.
What I thought was a flair up of the herniated disc, turned out to be a case of aggressive muscle spasm. The doctor at Sriphat spotted this right away and set me up for physical therapy to cure the problem. I’ve scheduled 2 sessions a week for the next 2 weeks to bring everything back to normal. Along with stretching exercises at home I should be discomfort free soon.
I also bought a pair of new shoes and this really helped too – I tend to wear them down in the lower outside area which causes me to walk off center and aggravates the back muscles and this in turn causes the vertebras in the back to pop out of position causing more muscle spasm. I don’t usually notice it until the spasms get so bad that they start to affect the sciatic nerve and I get sever pain down both legs. I’ll be more observant as to how the shoes are wearing down and make sure to get new ones when needed.
However, at 300 Baht a session, I definitely can afford a once week, or at least every other week, visit to the Therapy Center in addition to my normal weekly 2-hour Oil massages to keep my back in good shape. That amounts to 4600 Baht/Mo or $130/Mo. And I tip well – you could do the same here for half the price. Think about it – that’s 4 private (young men) massages in my condo + 2 therapy sessions. Try that somewhere else.
Thailand retirement is affordable and pampers me like a baby. Gay heaven with affordable health care and living expenses so that I can exist in style on my US retirement pension.
Ciao
2 Hr. Body Scrub & Massage – You must try
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from a heavenly body scrub and oil massage at Bubble’s Massage. Kuhn “A†was terrific. One hour body scrub and one hour oil massage = 500 Baht $14 First the body scrub – using a mixture of::
- Sea Salt
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Thanaka – yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark.
WOW – after the hour, which was also a great massage I might add, I took a shower to rinse off the mixture and never felt so clean – amazing. Skin really smooth and ready for the oil massage. Next the hour oil massage – “A†is really strong and gives great attention to the real tight muscles – I am real picky but really loved his technique asking if I had any problem areas and then took special interest at them – not once rushing the time. He deserved the tip I left.
All I can say is – TRY IT
Ciao
Singaporean Food–Chiang Mai
Sawadee Khrap
Had to get my Samsung phone fixed yesterday and while waiting there I went for a quick snack at the local Shiok About Food restaurant almost next door. hard to find – check their map but make sure to Check it out.
I had their “beehoon soto with Yellow noodles habis†– very tasty.
But talking to Gabriel, the owner, I found out about his Goat Shanks, peranakan style. Stewed in beer and herbs and spices with sautéed curried potatoes, grilled broccoli and cauliflower and stewed carrots. Goat shanks are supposed to be leaner and more healthy than lamb – hope they tasted as good.
I will check with him when its available and go down for a meal – 500 baht I think and post my comments. Here is the photo – – And their Facebook Page 
Looks delicious.
Ciao
Tao Gardens–Team’s school –
Today is Team’s first full day at University for his Masters. Left this morning at 7:30 and don’t expect him back till about 4:30. Apparently there are only 5 students in the Toxicology class for Master Degree this year – one is a ladyboy and they have become friends and will be having lunch today – I’ll show photos later.
Yesterday, I went to Tao Gardens Spa and got a Ultra Sound massage for my back – 1500 Baht – I felt the heat all the way home – 20 KM – and then put on the ice-pack again. Getting better – 
today I walked to Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Center and the exercise really helped – I hope I will be somewhat back to normal in a week.
Wednesday I will see the Cardiologist at Sriphat Hospital for a BP and stent check up and will ask about their Physical Rehabilitation Center – Ultra Sound treatments and therapy. I think, if I can, schedule a monthly session just for insurance to keep my back strong – of course I will have to develop a real daily plan of exercise for the back and using the Elliptical machine for Cardio.. Now that Team is in school I will take on most of the household duties and that will provide something to do and a start on a basic form of exercise.
Everything else seems to be going well –
Ciao
Friends visiting
Sawadee Khrap
Last week Charlie came from Bangkok to visit and we took a trip to the Chiang Mai Zoo to see the Pandas. Here are some of the animals, but the place was crawling with kids so we left early.
And then later in the week after Charlie had gone back to BKK – Team had 2 of his friends (Film and Ann) come visit 
for the afternoon – It’s nice to have visitors to the place now – feels more like home now and you can really see Team’s influence on the condo. I think they made brownies and played on the computer – I went for a massage to pass the time and give them some time alone. Girl talk you know and in Thai so I couldn’t eavesdrop – 
This afternoon Team’s aunt will come for a short visit. We’re starting to settling in very comfortably. Next week Team starts school and has a very busy course load – we also have to get the tire fixed on his bike so he will have transportation. Next month we will be buying the graduation gown for his Bachelor of Science ceremony coming up – the Princes will present the diploma. Really looking forward to that – but no one is allowed to take photos – have to buy the official photos – part of the Royal attendance policy.
Ciao
2nd Operation successful
Sawadee Khrap
Just got back from BKK and the second operation for the blocked left kidney artery – 74,000 Baht this time – so far the total bill for 2 stents comes to 169,000 Baht = $4694. Feeling great – scheduled for check up and blood tests to see if everything is going OK next week, should know how well the kidneys are doing then.
Remember that BKK Hospital in Pattaya wanted 1,000,000 Baht for the same thing. —— Please, if you come to Thailand for a medical vacation be sure and check out the Gov’t teaching and training hospitals first – Sriphat in Chiang Mai and Sririaj in BKK . Great service, pricing and quality.
I’ll post more and some photos taken on the trip later.
Ciao