Thailand - My Chiang Mai Life

Here are some pics of a local Chiang Mai restaurant and street food carts plus a corner of the wall around the old city. The moat circles the Old City. Chiang Mai's historical centre is the walled city (chiang in Thai, hence Chiang Mai - "New Walled City"). The original square city laid out was 5900ft by 6500ft, and after a time a moat would be added to clearly mark out the boundaries of Chiang Mai and to safeguard the people. Sections of the wall remain at the gates and corners, but of the rest only the moat remains. At each corner a bastion, each with its individual cosmological significance, was built, while the four main gates located on each of the long flanks face towards the four points of the compass. Today these landmarks remain to form the unique character of Chiang Mai. Inside Chiang Mai's remaining city walls are more than 30 temples dating back to the founding of the principality in 1296.

Hey, maybe I had better show everyone a map of Thailand. Chiang Mai is about 500 miles North of Bangkok. (top center of map) a 1 hour flight from Bangkok or if you are adventursome there is always the over night train ride!

Well, here is my new home! Keep checking back as will be adding info and pics as it gets closer to moving time. Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) is the hub of Northern Thailand . With a population of over 170,000, it is Thailand's fifth-largest city. Located on a plain at an elevation of 1011 FT, surrounded by mountains and lush countryside, it is much greener and quieter than the capital, and has a cosmopolitan air and a significant expat population, factors which have led many from Bangkok to settle permanently in this "Rose of the North". Founded in 1296 AD, the culturally rich city of Chiang Mai is the longest continuously inhabited settlement from the ancient days of Siam. Located amidst the rolling foot hills of the Himalayan Mountains 500 miles north of Bangkok, it could only be reached by an arduous river journey or an elephant back trip until the 1920s, isolation which has helped keep Chiang Mai's distinctive charm intact to this day. Chiang Mai's historical cent...

Well, I have sold my Inn in the Bahamas and now getting my "tings" together to make the move to Chiang Mai, Thailand!! My friend Aod is looking at houses to rent and checking out cars that might work for us. As soon as I am located, my home in Chiang Mai will be open to all my friends that would like to visit! Hmmm sounds like I might be back running an Inn again!