Lucky me! I have found my favorite spot to eat which is called Ratana's. I really like it because they have several of my favorite dishes. All places don't have the same selections. For example one of my favorite dishes is called "khao soi". It is a vegetable (or chicken) curry dish that is from Northern Thailand that is absolutely Delicious. They use a special noodle that many places don't have. Also they have other wonderful selections of Northern Thai Cuisine. The prices are great and both locations the people are cool.
I first found the one near the jewelry school and accidentally found the one that is closer to home.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Street Markets in Chiang Mai
There are several Street Markets in Chiang Mai where you can find a variety of things. You have to be prepared to haggle for the best price and actually they expect it.
When they have these markets they block off the streets and you see all kinds of vendors. The first two that I went to was the Sunday Street Market and the Night Bazaar. All I did was checked it out. There were a few items just for the fun of it did some bargaining with the merchant but end up not purchasing anything. Both of these are well worth checking out and a great opportunity for people watching.
But you cannot miss the Saturday market. I went last night and found it the best. It is not as well know as the previous two but you find the best deals. I think the reason for this is because it is more gear to the Thai people. I would say about 80-90% of the people were Thai. I like it better too because the prices are already lower so you don't have to negotiate as much. I end up getting a shirt (which I really like) and 3 pair of the Thailand pants all for 500baht ($15 USD). The merchant was a cool soft spoken Thai man. The energy here was welcoming and made it comfortable. The street is much more crowded I would say but what a wonderful way to connect to folks. I had fun talking to all kinds of people and they were receptive.
The other two are much closer to me but the Saturday one is my favorite.
When they have these markets they block off the streets and you see all kinds of vendors. The first two that I went to was the Sunday Street Market and the Night Bazaar. All I did was checked it out. There were a few items just for the fun of it did some bargaining with the merchant but end up not purchasing anything. Both of these are well worth checking out and a great opportunity for people watching.
But you cannot miss the Saturday market. I went last night and found it the best. It is not as well know as the previous two but you find the best deals. I think the reason for this is because it is more gear to the Thai people. I would say about 80-90% of the people were Thai. I like it better too because the prices are already lower so you don't have to negotiate as much. I end up getting a shirt (which I really like) and 3 pair of the Thailand pants all for 500baht ($15 USD). The merchant was a cool soft spoken Thai man. The energy here was welcoming and made it comfortable. The street is much more crowded I would say but what a wonderful way to connect to folks. I had fun talking to all kinds of people and they were receptive.
The other two are much closer to me but the Saturday one is my favorite.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Another Fantastic Day....
and it is not over yet. It is just after 5:30pm in this wonderful city of Chiang Mai. Started the day by getting a Thai Massage then on to Jewelry making class. On my way home I stopped for another massage, this time Swedish for a change...but I really like the Thai modality. As I continued to walk home after session in one of the small back streets I notice some locals playing Petanque. They had made up a small court and even had the mama out there. They waved me over so I stopped to watch and actually I played for a few, how neat!!! They did not speak any English but I understand that they are playing tomorrow so after my Herbal class I will come back. Made it to the pad to unwind for a few then on to continue the artwork on my polar bear sleeve with Poon at Magic Tattoo. I am really happy with the progress.
I am very much in the zone and making the most of each and every moment! The energy is strong and my consciousness is heighten thereby I am open to the many gifts that comes my way in many forms. I am appreciative for it all!!!
I am very much in the zone and making the most of each and every moment! The energy is strong and my consciousness is heighten thereby I am open to the many gifts that comes my way in many forms. I am appreciative for it all!!!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Great Eats!
You can find all kinds of things to eat in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Of course I mostly eat Thai food which I really enjoy. Even when I eat in Thai restaurants in the States it is just not the same. Eating different Thai food can be as complex or as simple as you like. I can say for sure I have never eaten this delicious array of choices back home and really enjoy the opportunity to explore and delight my taste buds.
When I go to massage school I eat at a vegetarian restaurant that I really like and the food is very inexpensive. There are many restaurants for slightly more you can have seafood and meat items. The best place I've found have been non deliberate (no accidents!). There is a place I had lunch yesterday that was absolutely incredible and I feasted on Northern Thai cuisine for around six bucks and that is splurging for me.
You can go to any of the markets and you can find all kinds of things to eat. Also around the shopping areas you will see all kinds of stands for a wide range of things to munch on.
Even for those not adventurous you can get a roasted chicken at a stand for 100baht (about 3 bucks). There are also places that are western.....like hamburger stands, taco shops, pizza joints, etc...
One late night I did have a chicken burrito from a place where the guy is from California and I have to say YUCK!!! It could be I am spoiled on Thai food.
Of course my favorite culinary delights is attending cooking schools to learn how to prepare many of these dishes (particularly the local stuff) and have several meals from the process. Many of these classes are around 900baht ($27). Since I enjoy cooking these creative moments are great for me.
As you can see there are plenty of options which makes the travels even that more enriched.
When I go to massage school I eat at a vegetarian restaurant that I really like and the food is very inexpensive. There are many restaurants for slightly more you can have seafood and meat items. The best place I've found have been non deliberate (no accidents!). There is a place I had lunch yesterday that was absolutely incredible and I feasted on Northern Thai cuisine for around six bucks and that is splurging for me.
You can go to any of the markets and you can find all kinds of things to eat. Also around the shopping areas you will see all kinds of stands for a wide range of things to munch on.
Even for those not adventurous you can get a roasted chicken at a stand for 100baht (about 3 bucks). There are also places that are western.....like hamburger stands, taco shops, pizza joints, etc...
One late night I did have a chicken burrito from a place where the guy is from California and I have to say YUCK!!! It could be I am spoiled on Thai food.
Of course my favorite culinary delights is attending cooking schools to learn how to prepare many of these dishes (particularly the local stuff) and have several meals from the process. Many of these classes are around 900baht ($27). Since I enjoy cooking these creative moments are great for me.
As you can see there are plenty of options which makes the travels even that more enriched.
Jewelry Making Course...Day 1
NOVA artlab http://www.nova-collection.com/
Another incredible day! Took a few days off from my Thai Massage Training and went to a jewelry making course. I am taking two days in this shift of experience. What a wonderful way to express and explore my creativity! Actually I am quite amazed at the results.
Class started at 10:30am so had the chance to take it a little slow this morning, boy did I need it after the first 30 hours of Thai Massage courses. I met my instructor Nugoon who is a master silver smith and jeweler. A remarkable man who is talented beyond measure. I am appreciative to work with him. What made it even more special is that I was the only student today so I received his direct attention and guidance.
So I popped into class not knowing what to expect. What I had in mind was to do something with the polar bear but when he said I had to do the drawing and design I was lost. I remembered what my dear friend and mentor Rick reminds me.....Breathe and Experience! So I did!!!
Once I did the creative juices started to flow. Of course there had to be a HEART to represent my big heart and my love for people and the planet. It took a few drawings to get to where my heart was taking me. Even once my design was done I did modify it as I worked with the material (silver).I had to flow and trust in the process because when my head tried to understand how it possibly was going to happen the creative juice faucet was closing, so to let the flow happen I had to release the stories, self-evaluations, and self-criticism. When I was in the zone there was no limit.
I learned the basics in preparing the metal, working with a vast array of tools, and the soldering.
My instructor was absolutely incredible and very knowledgeable working with the tools and materials. His patience with me and my process was comforting and supportive. The course end up being about 6 hours and the cost was 1100baht course/just over 300baht for material ($33/$10). What is really cool is that they offer a week long course where you learn a variety of techniques or you can just take one class. To do gem setting you need at least 3 days and my time is so precious, that it will not work on this trip.It was a pleasure to use a variety of techniques to create my piece. I could have made it simpler but why? More complex I would have to go another day just to complete it. I am taking another class tomorrow and I want to learn how to make a ring. I will be more prepared for I will work on my design tonight.
NOVA has a Contemporary Jewelry Store on Thapae Rd and the lab is a few blocks away. You can find many nice pieces at the shop and this is where I signed up for the course. During my lunch break I went in to say hello and what a great time I was having in the class. They asked me to bring my piece in for them to see when I was done. After the course I did do so and I appreciate their reactions.
Something about my piece. On the bottom where you see the
indentations represents the challenges and limitations (self-imposed or otherwise) that I've experienced in my life. The cut out represents a river and by crossing it leaving behind the baggage allows me to be who I really am with the abundance of LOVE in my heart and to expand that love unto the world which the dome shape symbolizes. Now, my interpretation of this piece may expand as I am present to it!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Be Safe
This is what many people said to me before I left the states and I still get emails that express this. In my travels over the course of my life I have encountered some intense moments especially during my backpack days in Europe. Also when I was younger traveling by Greyhound bus to see my Uncle in Los Angeles was not always a pleasant moment.
I know that most people do care and really want me to be safe but I have to say I feel more safe here than ANYWHERE I have been in the world. The people here for the most part are friendly and more than kind.
Perhaps I am the funny American that gets reactions from many people and it is always fun loving. On my route to school I see some of the same people and although I just know how to say hello and thank you there is a level of respect from the Thai people that I've never experienced in my 51 years here.
I know that most people do care and really want me to be safe but I have to say I feel more safe here than ANYWHERE I have been in the world. The people here for the most part are friendly and more than kind.
Perhaps I am the funny American that gets reactions from many people and it is always fun loving. On my route to school I see some of the same people and although I just know how to say hello and thank you there is a level of respect from the Thai people that I've never experienced in my 51 years here.
Peeling Another Layer!
Sometimes we have insights within ourselves that moves deep to our core and when we allow it we can truly grow and expand.
This morning I had a challenging time getting up and I can say since my initial arrival the first time that I felt tired. I skipped yoga this morning and made the walk to school a little later than usual. This was day 5 of the Thai Massage Foundation Intensive and boy am I feeling it. As I was preparing to go into class I realized how sore my legs are. For the previous days all that floor work and moving my body in ways that I have not experienced in quite sometime.
The previous four days we covered all the material for this section of my training so it was a day of practice and taking my examination. The instructors and students alike have been extremely helpful and I really enjoy my conversations with them. I have had some great talks with a wonderful spirit who is inspiring. It has been a great exchange of energy!
I was sharing with her how I really am getting how attached I've been and seeing that I am letting go. The example I shared was in regards of my shoes. In Thailand many places you go you take your shoes off before entering. Now I did get myself some sandals but after that first day of walking to school I got a sore on one of my toes so I've been wearing the Clark's that I got when I was in Amsterdam last year. I did pay good money for them. I had the thought of what if I leave these shoes out and someone takes them. It hit me like I ran into a brick wall.....so what? Does this define who I am as a person? Does what I have or the way I think about things define my experience. I suggest no. Being present in every moment and experience the richness of what is without attachment. In the attachments we become slaves to our interpretations. If we let go and experience what is we truly will know ourselves, our REAL SELF! Not the illusion or where our limiting thoughts take us.
Previously I had mentioned how I really wanted that A+ in my course. As I thought about it something just wasn't right and I was with that today and there was the breakthrough. I took the examination this afternoon and was being present to the session but there was a part of me that was caught up with that damn A+.....do you see what I mean? We have to be willing to let go. Well I did not get the A+. It had nothing to do with my evaluator for she is a very sweet and supportive person. She did give we some great feedback which was extremely valuable. My initial thoughts were not supportive of being present with what is and a part of me was not happy about it. Now why would I allow myself to be disturb by this? I am in a beautiful country meeting beautiful people and having the time of my life. Does an A+ define who I am? After a conversation I had today I saw where my attachment was coming from. The attachment to my educational experience during my troubled days after the lost of my mother and not doing well in school feeling inferior to the other children.
This day has been a major breakthrough for me. I am still feeling a shift as I write this and suspect that there will be a continual unfolding from this moment in my life!
After the class, even through I was exhausted I went for a Thai Massage. How appropriate. Most of our work was on my legs and I did not say a word!
I am thankful for all who have crossed my path and for those lives that I am able to touch in some way.
With TRUST,
Magnificent Michael (aka The Great White Bear)
This morning I had a challenging time getting up and I can say since my initial arrival the first time that I felt tired. I skipped yoga this morning and made the walk to school a little later than usual. This was day 5 of the Thai Massage Foundation Intensive and boy am I feeling it. As I was preparing to go into class I realized how sore my legs are. For the previous days all that floor work and moving my body in ways that I have not experienced in quite sometime.
The previous four days we covered all the material for this section of my training so it was a day of practice and taking my examination. The instructors and students alike have been extremely helpful and I really enjoy my conversations with them. I have had some great talks with a wonderful spirit who is inspiring. It has been a great exchange of energy!
I was sharing with her how I really am getting how attached I've been and seeing that I am letting go. The example I shared was in regards of my shoes. In Thailand many places you go you take your shoes off before entering. Now I did get myself some sandals but after that first day of walking to school I got a sore on one of my toes so I've been wearing the Clark's that I got when I was in Amsterdam last year. I did pay good money for them. I had the thought of what if I leave these shoes out and someone takes them. It hit me like I ran into a brick wall.....so what? Does this define who I am as a person? Does what I have or the way I think about things define my experience. I suggest no. Being present in every moment and experience the richness of what is without attachment. In the attachments we become slaves to our interpretations. If we let go and experience what is we truly will know ourselves, our REAL SELF! Not the illusion or where our limiting thoughts take us.
Previously I had mentioned how I really wanted that A+ in my course. As I thought about it something just wasn't right and I was with that today and there was the breakthrough. I took the examination this afternoon and was being present to the session but there was a part of me that was caught up with that damn A+.....do you see what I mean? We have to be willing to let go. Well I did not get the A+. It had nothing to do with my evaluator for she is a very sweet and supportive person. She did give we some great feedback which was extremely valuable. My initial thoughts were not supportive of being present with what is and a part of me was not happy about it. Now why would I allow myself to be disturb by this? I am in a beautiful country meeting beautiful people and having the time of my life. Does an A+ define who I am? After a conversation I had today I saw where my attachment was coming from. The attachment to my educational experience during my troubled days after the lost of my mother and not doing well in school feeling inferior to the other children.
This day has been a major breakthrough for me. I am still feeling a shift as I write this and suspect that there will be a continual unfolding from this moment in my life!
After the class, even through I was exhausted I went for a Thai Massage. How appropriate. Most of our work was on my legs and I did not say a word!
I am thankful for all who have crossed my path and for those lives that I am able to touch in some way.
With TRUST,
Magnificent Michael (aka The Great White Bear)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Powerful Work!
Last night went to check out the Sunday Walking Market. Lots of nice colors at the variety of vendors, street food, and rows and rows of chairs where practitioners where giving foot massages. I never seen so many people getting any kind of massage at one time. This area was packed. I wandered around for about a hour just to check things out. They are open to midnight.
Got a fantastic night sleep!!!
I had the great pleasure and treat to get one on one with the master teacher today. Working with her confirmed my gift of touch. We covered a lot of material today and will have my first exam on Wednesday. I am striving for an "A+" which is above 95. Several students who are in a group before me shared that they got 94's which is an "A", so we will see. I will stay present, breath, study, and practice. I do have willing subjects. Learning this modality has taken me to a whole other level. Her feedback was great and I learned so much. I am truly blessed to have come to this school. During a break I did some TuiNa on her, some Sensory Repatterning on a student teacher and just connected with some of the wonderful students.
In my 17 years of learning I have combined and blended a variety of modalities to make up my sessions. Now that I am really getting into this Thai Massage thing we will have to see which direction my work goes. I am really feeling the power of this amazing work and would say much of my training to date has prepared me for this portion of my journey.
I was observing an advance student practicing points which may be a little confusing for me with my background in Tuina for the number and name of the points seem to be different. If you have any feedback Skip or Rick I am open.
After working with my teacher today I am inspired to come back and do teacher training with her if she will accept me.
My body is changing. The weight is coming off much easier without much conscious effort. Left two pair of pants with my laundry lady today to take in (these were the smallest pants that I had before leaving the states, so it will definitely time for new clothes when or if ; ) I return to the states). I am eating healthier and most days I eat a vegetarian diet. Today's special at the restaurant I went to was stir fry Kale w/mushrooms and rice, absolutely delicious. I have not had any Thai food I do not like yet...even panang which the curry paste has ground peanuts which I have had issues with before now. I still asked for no peanuts on top but will eat the curry.
Game plan for the week two more days of Thai massage class then on Thursday and Friday going to my Jewelry making course, Herbal compress class on Saturday, Sunday go play with the Elephants all day then start level II Thai course.
Stay tuned!!!!!
Got a fantastic night sleep!!!
I had the great pleasure and treat to get one on one with the master teacher today. Working with her confirmed my gift of touch. We covered a lot of material today and will have my first exam on Wednesday. I am striving for an "A+" which is above 95. Several students who are in a group before me shared that they got 94's which is an "A", so we will see. I will stay present, breath, study, and practice. I do have willing subjects. Learning this modality has taken me to a whole other level. Her feedback was great and I learned so much. I am truly blessed to have come to this school. During a break I did some TuiNa on her, some Sensory Repatterning on a student teacher and just connected with some of the wonderful students.
In my 17 years of learning I have combined and blended a variety of modalities to make up my sessions. Now that I am really getting into this Thai Massage thing we will have to see which direction my work goes. I am really feeling the power of this amazing work and would say much of my training to date has prepared me for this portion of my journey.
I was observing an advance student practicing points which may be a little confusing for me with my background in Tuina for the number and name of the points seem to be different. If you have any feedback Skip or Rick I am open.
After working with my teacher today I am inspired to come back and do teacher training with her if she will accept me.
My body is changing. The weight is coming off much easier without much conscious effort. Left two pair of pants with my laundry lady today to take in (these were the smallest pants that I had before leaving the states, so it will definitely time for new clothes when or if ; ) I return to the states). I am eating healthier and most days I eat a vegetarian diet. Today's special at the restaurant I went to was stir fry Kale w/mushrooms and rice, absolutely delicious. I have not had any Thai food I do not like yet...even panang which the curry paste has ground peanuts which I have had issues with before now. I still asked for no peanuts on top but will eat the curry.
Game plan for the week two more days of Thai massage class then on Thursday and Friday going to my Jewelry making course, Herbal compress class on Saturday, Sunday go play with the Elephants all day then start level II Thai course.
Stay tuned!!!!!
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