Ciao Chiang Mai

Our two bags are packed again. We’re off to Malaysia tomorrow.

It surprised us how quickly Chiang Mai became home and that we are sad to leave. In a month we’ve adopted local eating joints, formed a relationship with our non-English speaking laundry lady, found a great tuk tuk driver, and know our way around the city’s winding streets. I’ve even perfected the tone and body language that goes with Sawadeeka (hello), Kapunka (thank you) and Aroi Aroi (delicious) to the point where people seem confused when I can’t carry on the conversation in Thai. My favorite Thai phrase, however is Mai Pen Rai, loosly translated as no worries. It sums up the attitude of Thailand very well. People are gentle, there’s always a smile, and despite the laid back vibe, things always seem to work out just fine. I’m sure we’ll be using Mai Pen Rai many times during our trip when things are more challenging. We are only one month into our journey, but our time in Chiang Mai has made our family closer and happier than we have been in a long time.

We still can’t get a good family shot where we are all looking at the camera together, but here are some happy faces saying goodbye to Chiang Mai.

See you in Penang!