From Chiangmai with love

While the Thai anti-government protestors were closing in on the Bangkok airports (which they finally took over on 26 Nov), my family and I flew to Chiangmai on the 25 Nov. Thanks to Tony Fernandez, the CEO of AirAsia (now everyone can fly), we were able to go there for a 4-day 3-night getaway holiday.

My family members and friends having read about the turmoil in Bangkok were concerned about our safety during those few days, but I am glad to say that everything was peaceful in Chiangmai and Chiangrai during our short stay.

The holiday was memorable for a number of reasons: there was overflowing supply of great tasting food at all meals; the Thai ladies lived up to their reputation for beauty (all slim ones, much to my envy); the weather was cool in Chiangmai while the northern towns were cold; the tour guide John was friendly and helpful. What else could we ask for?

Photos from the top:

1. The family at a hot spring, on the way to Chiangrai. William had this habit of posing James Bond-style throughout the course of the holiday! Aaah.. maybe he had this idea that he was on a spy mission trip in Thailand. Fertile imagination...

2. On a Mae Ping river cruise for dinner. The food was great (as usual) and the setting, absolutely romantic...

3. We trekked a short distance to the Karen village where the Karen women have long necks. This Karen woman holds the world record for longest neck in the world, serious...

4. At the Maesa Elephant Camp. Victoria Goh in action feeding the elephants.

5. At the Kantoke Palace where we had dinner and watched cultural performances. William is surrounded by pretty girls, much to his delight!

One thing that struck me during the trip was the poverty in Laos (at a border town in the Golden Triangle). It was such a sad sight to see children begging but we were warned not to give money to any of them as there'd be many others who would swarm us in no time . At the end of the holiday, we thanked God for the many blessings that we have back home in good old charming historic Malacca!