Chiang Dao. Settling in; Looking Ahead

I’m having myself a quiet and peaceful Sunday morning in nature, Chiang Dao, a village that has caves and hot springs. It’s sweet and fresh relief to be out of Chiang Mai and city life. I feel 1/2 my heart is still there, and I know this will fade in due time.


Time flies and memories fade. Like wounds, they heal, become rosy stories of daring and doing, leave scars that then also (somewhat) fade away.


Transitions are always a challenge; they surely ruffle my feathers, though I do like to surf them. But this one happened easily: the bus station early, a comfortable ride, my Airbnb host, Mod, graciously meeting me upon arrival, pointing out this and that, the way to a local place with Pad Thai with tofu. “They close at 7, but that’s where you want to go.” 


A short walk through a mango grove and milk cows to Pai Fon, which indeed lived up to its charm and local reputation. Pad Thai with tofu for 40 baht ($1.47!). 


I’m here 4 nights, or maybe longer - ☺️. Next, if all goes as planned, to a Buddhist monastery further North for a 5-10 day retreat. I find I’m a little nervous about it, or anticipation and excitement. Somewhere in there…


Then a slow boat down the Mekong River into Laos with a long stay in Luang Prabang. I have several invitations to come back to Thailand mid-February, a writers' festival in Chiang Mai, and a study course at an Ashram, so I’m staying north, but including North Vietnam, until I decide whether to return to Thailand. Longer term, I’m still hoping New Zealand/Aotearoa. But I’m getting ahead of myself…


If you want to follow along, you can visit my blog:

http://meanderinasia.blogspot.com/


Here are some links to other things I mentioned:


Wat Pa Tam Wua

Slow Boat
https://share.google/8QMZd7U5iIv9v5tE

Luang Prabang 
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s recognized for its blend of traditional Lao architecture, European colonial buildings, and over 30 Buddhist temples in a protected area that encompasses 33 villages, where daily rituals persist.

School of English for Engaged Social Service (SENS)
https://inebinstitute.org/eng/

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