We had expected that our overnight train journey to Chiang Mai would be a highlight and at least worth the trouble that it took to book. Sadly - even though we had decided we could spring for the 1st Class cabin - it turned out to be an uncomfortable, relatively sleepless night in a carriage which was seriously past its sell-by date. In addition, the failed suspension system when allied with the poor state of the track meant that we felt every bump of the 12 hour journey.
Nevertheless it was good to arrive in Chiang Mai - our base for a week or so. It is small enough to be walkable and has a huge amount to offer. We are staying in a guesthouse run by a Thai woman who was married to a Frenchman for many years - quite refreshing to be greeted in French first by all the staff - and they do have decent coffee and pastries (although you have to be early to get any).
Started off with 2 days of cooking classes at the Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre - recommended by Linda's friend Eilish from Dublin.
It all seems so simple when you are taught in easy steps - proof will be in the dishes we can produce at home. After cooking 7 dishes each on each day - and eating it all as well - we haven't managed to eat anything else. I couldn't manage my first Singha until after 8.00pm last night and tonight may be the same. Interesting group of people on the courses with us including an American couple with their three boys - 12, 10 and 7 -who had taken a year out and were travelling around the world.
Off trekking in the Doi Inthanon National Park tomorrow for three days - spending the nights in hill tribe villages - and then back to Chiang Mai for a couple more days to see the sights before we head for Luang Prabang in Laos.
Nevertheless it was good to arrive in Chiang Mai - our base for a week or so. It is small enough to be walkable and has a huge amount to offer. We are staying in a guesthouse run by a Thai woman who was married to a Frenchman for many years - quite refreshing to be greeted in French first by all the staff - and they do have decent coffee and pastries (although you have to be early to get any).
Started off with 2 days of cooking classes at the Thai Kitchen Cookery Centre - recommended by Linda's friend Eilish from Dublin.
It all seems so simple when you are taught in easy steps - proof will be in the dishes we can produce at home. After cooking 7 dishes each on each day - and eating it all as well - we haven't managed to eat anything else. I couldn't manage my first Singha until after 8.00pm last night and tonight may be the same. Interesting group of people on the courses with us including an American couple with their three boys - 12, 10 and 7 -who had taken a year out and were travelling around the world.Off trekking in the Doi Inthanon National Park tomorrow for three days - spending the nights in hill tribe villages - and then back to Chiang Mai for a couple more days to see the sights before we head for Luang Prabang in Laos.
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