One Week In

Officially past the first week mark. Honestly, it feels like it's been longer but time can be a funny thing. Chiang Mai has been good, although eye opening.

Aside from the cooking course, I've mostly walked around town and just hung out. Setting out in a different cardinal direction, I try to walk a large circle and see a different neighborhood each day. Went and checked out the local climbing gym one day, spent a few hours at a beautiful temple nearer the university another. 

Came across a large group of mostly men after going to the climbing gym who were participating in goofy relays. Witnessed a ten legged race and one where you had to hit a tennis ball with a water bottle dangling between your legs. Usually everyone seems so serious here, it was great to see all the families just horsing around.

The Ping River is east of the old city and is beautiful day or night. Trying to walk along the riverside path though, I quickly discovered it is used only by fishermen who hide in the shade along the bank. Received many stone faced stares when I tried to escape the street hustle. Definitely not welcome there.

The Wats here are awe inspiring and breathtaking in their detail. The energy that fills the space is special and everyone, both patrons and tourists, are compelled to silence. One of the larger Wats in town has some creepily lifelike wax figures of monks. 

There is a movement in markets to not buy Buddha trinkets. The image is sacred and not to be used as simple decoration. When walking into some businesses, they will have a small shrine next to the door and you pay your respects whenever passing by.

Forester nerd moment: all of the trees in this meditation garden were harshly topped. Made for an eerie effect; kinda Dr. Seuss style. Took away some of the natural grace from the space, but curious if it is common practice and keeping an eye out for more.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was finding out that one of my past coworkers lives here for the moment. He and a longtime friend of his, who also spends a lot of time in Asia and Thailand specifically, have been kind enough to meet up the last 2 nights for drinks and dinner. Just having someone young to talk to has been refreshing, but they also have a lot to share about the language and culture. It makes you take a step back, to say the least. A lot lies beneath the surface, as with anywhere else, and leaves much to think about. After talking last night, I've taken notice of the military presence around. Starts to weigh heavy on my chest to think of all the everyday violence that is accepted and ignored to an extent. We spoke of awareness and how people choose what world they see. Really shakes me up to realize that I'm in a place where everything I think I know is wrong.  

So, uh yeah. Heavy stuff. Figuring out what path you want to walk in life is difficult enough and it's harder still to understand and respect others who are going a different direction.

I'm wicked excited to get out of town tomorrow and leave for a week of volunteer work. I am looking forward to the structure and chance to spend time with the animals. 

Until next time.