Greetings from Hong Kong, Chiang Mai and Bangkok

Greetings from S/E Asia!

I have actually had flown exactly halfway around the world.  Twelve time zones - maybe thirteen.  It was truly bizarre.  We were “chasing the sun” - full daylight all the way from to Toronto to Hong Kong!

It was a long trip.  Toronto - Vancouver - Hong Kong.  Nearly 19 hours in the air.  Even though I was flying in “Executive First”, with the “lie flat beds”, I found it difficult to sleep for more than an hour at a time.  Four hours out of Hong Kong, I was ready to get out and walk on the wings of the airplane!!

Welcome tea in Hong Kong Hotel

I arrived in Hong Kong  (about 4:45 p.m. local time).  I didn’t experience any “jet lag”.  I think it was because it was such a huge time shift.  I’ve been waking early - even before my “wake up calls”.  Go figure ...  So, an overnight in Hong Kong and back to the airport for my flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  (More on Hong Kong when I get back for five days starting March 15.)  Warning!  The Hong Kong Airport is huge!!  Allow yourself a lot of time to get from the taxi -  to check in - to the gate.  The signage is excellent but if it is your first trip, allow yourself at least an extra 45 mins.  Their security is brutal!

THAILAND - Chiang Mai

I am in love with Thailand!!  It all started when Thai Airways realized that I was held up somewhere in the Hong Kong Airport.  As soon as I got off the moving sidewalk, there was a beautiful young lady with a sign for my flight.  She confirmed everything and ran ahead to the gate to hold the flight.

It got even better when they served lunch.  I chose the roast duck with rice and vegetables.  YIKES!!  I was in economy and the food was 1000% better than Air Canada in Executive First.

Then, I arrived at the lovely Shangri-La Hotel with its beautiful pool and wonderful spa!

I spent most of my time in Chiang Mai getting used to being in a completely different world!

I learned how to say "thank you" and "hello" in Thai (along with the appropriate bow and hand gesture.  Now, that I have mastered the Thai version, I will have to learn the same in Vietnamese as I leave for Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.)

In Chiang Mai, the first thing on my agenda was to find a fabulous silk emporium and get some clothes made.  Mission was accomplished with the help of the wonderful concierge staff!

Just one part of the selection.

The workmanship is unbelievable!  I took a silk top that was not a simple design and they copied it exactly.  And, the same with the pants.  I had casual jackets made also.  Everything was so inexpensive!  They made one of each and came to my hotel the next morning for a fitting.  Everything was done in 30 hours!!

Brought the shoe with me to get the right colors

Getting organized!

Shopping is hard work!  So. I returned to the hotel spa for a Thai “full body massage” (1.5 hours) and then a foot massage (1 hour).  Who knew that someone could spend a full hour on my tiny (size 4.5) feet?

Well, one can only relax for for so long ... !!

The next morning, I was off to a four hour Thai cooking class at a local restaurant  -  “A Taste From Heaven”.  (A special thank you to Nancy for the info!)

I was the only student that day.  So, under the supervision of the chef - I chopped, stirred, boiled and stir fried.   But, I drew the line at deep frying.  I’m just too afraid of all that boiling oil - especially in a wok.

Some of the ingredients

In total, I made six dishes.  You choose them ahead of time and when you arrive, they have made a recipe book for you to take home.

The Chef - my teacher

The finished product.   No, I did not eat it all!  But, check out the basket on the right.  Yes, kleenex because your nose is going to run after you eat all those wonderful hot chillies.

I will miss the Shangri-La Hotel and their very attentive concierge staff In the Horizon Club. 

Patchareeya and Taemasin

I cannot say enough about the Thai people.  They are so kind, patient, happy, friendly, helpful and welcoming!

A few notes ...

I'm not sure if this is particular to Asian hotels but the two hotels that I have stayed in are so civilized!  There is no "do not disturb sign".  Instead, there is a switch on the wall just inside the door.  Turn it "on or off".   There is a small light set into the recessed area outside your door that indicates "disturb or not".  And, no one knocks on you door.  There is a door bell also!

For those of you who live in Toronto and are enduring the "transit debate", we should look at Bangkok and just build an elevated rail system above our existing roads.  It works so well here.

Here is a pic of part of Bangkok by night.             

I am leaving tomorrow for Ho Chi Minh City.  It is hot beyond belief here today. It was 38 C. 
and with humidex 49 C.  I'm not going to check the weather anymore! 

Bangkok and all of the amazing temples and Buddhas will be in my next post.

I hope you are all well!  Anne