Cooking Schools

During my time in Chiangmai, Thailand I went to three different cooking schools each having their own qualities! Most of these types of cooking schools offer 1/2 and full day courses in most cases, everyday. These were lots of fun and can fit into most peoples schedules. There are also schools that offer 40 hour and more classes and that is one of the things I will be doing on my next visit.

The last cooking class I went to was at "Siam Rice" as with all of them they picked me up at my guesthouse and we stopped at the market. We went to the site where we started in on the cooking. I notice that over my time in Thailand I take more heat (the first school I put 1-2 chilies in my dishes now can put up to 4-5). There are so many curry variations but they can come from just 3 or so bases. I like every curry that I have tried and I lean more towards the red curries. My favorite part at all the schools was learning to mortar curry paste. Nancy was a really nice lady. The vegetable carving time was neat and this really makes a difference in presentation. We used a slice of potato for the leaf and a chunk of carrot for the flower. Pretty good for the first time. Also I like that they gave us certificates.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Best Market Experience: Organic Thai Farm
Best Nice Touch: Siam Rice (with the carving time)
Best Cookbook: Asian Scenic

Most Fun: Asian Scenic
Most Organized: Organic Thai Farm
Most Relaxed: Siam Rice

At each of these, I had a great experience. The one that stands out most in my mind is Asian Scenic. I felt the most comfortable there and had lots of laughs. Our cook was sweet, funny, and informative. They were very clean and kept our cooking and eating area clear without me even noticing. They also provided us with a beautiful cookbook, nice presentation. This is my top pick and would go again. At the Organic Thai Farm the market time was great. Our host provided us with lots of information and he knew his stuff. When we got to the Farm I was really impressed with the garden and the kitchen work area. We did have to clean up some of our things here and our cook was on the serious side but I do like that he would lighten it up at the end of a cooking segment and say "while you cooking...have a smile". Also got a cookbook here that is easy to understand. This was the farthest out with the ride being quite bumpy but I enjoyed the scenery. I liked Siam Rice too. The family was friendly and kind. In between dishes we stopped to do some vegetable carving. Still waiting for the online cookbook. This is a new outfit but I think if they work at it they can be among the top.

ORGANIC THAI FARM COOKING SCHOOL

ASIAN SCENIC COOKING SCHOOL

SIAM RICE COOKING SCHOOL

While in Bangkok did not have Internet connection. I stayed at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel and would have to pay extra to get online. This was a great chance for me to unwind. I had an interesting time the last few days in Thailand. Had a contact that connected me with Mr Tammy that I used his driving services for a day in which I was able to accomplish and see many things. It was nice to have someone there when I needed. It made this time easier and his kindness was greatly appreciated.
My flight back to the USA left at 5:50am on Friday morning with a plane change in Japan and then another once at LAX. Still making some adjustments especially with the sleeping part.
There are some other things that I will write about and other things that I probably won't/can't. Everything that I experienced has impacted me and my life on some level or another. Some things I would say hit me immediately and yet others are still unfolding as I write this.

Last week I completed the massage courses that I came to do on this trip. I am grateful for a comfortable and nurturing environment to have studied in. Many thanks to all the teachers, student teachers, and students who were all part of this process.
I really enjoyed learning and practicing this beautiful form of Massage. Even though I took a variety of course they are related and can be used together for healing (as with many other modalities). My course work consisted of Thai Massage Level 1 and 2, Herbal Compress, Foot Reflexology, and my favorite, Tok-Sen. I will be coming back to further my studies.
I am really appreciative for my interest in Bodywork for that is what brought me to Chiangmai in the first place but I got so much more on many levels so much so that the intensity of what I experienced in the last few weeks I can't even write about and perhaps can't really talk about either for there are "no words". It is an experiential thing!!!!

Amazing Service in Chiang Mai (part 2)

In between my two dentist appointments today (the cleaning was at 4pm and the filling at 7pm) I stopped at an optical shop at 130 Thapae Rd. Tel: 0-5323-2156 asking how much for an exam and to look at some eyeglasses.
I have several pairs now but not with updated prescriptions. Before leaving the states I did get an eye exam going in with the impression that the exam would be at no charge. Even though I don't get vision with my benefits working with the city they did cover the exams in previous years but did not discover until afterwards that it was no longer covered. I had to fork out almost $100 bucks.
When I went into Top Charoen Optical I was greeted with lovely smiles and a glass of Orange Juice with a piece of Orchid as decoration, boy what class! I never experienced this in the states and many times people did not seem like they were very much interested in helping me. Again the level of service was wonderful and the price for the glasses and getting the transitional lens was a fraction of the cost I would pay back in California.
The level of respect they shown was mutual and I wanted to do business with them. There was no pressure and it made my decision process easy. I found a nice pair that I like and placed the order. I will be coming back when I return to Chiang Mai. Many thanks to the friendly staff at Top Charoen Optical.

Amazing Service in Chiang Mai (part 1)

I was walking down the street yesterday and notice a dental office (Dental4U Clinic) with a sign outside with some rates of the services they provide so I popped in to inquire about a cleaning and found the prices a fraction of the cost in the USA, particularly in California.
Some may be thinking why would you need to get dental work in Thailand when you have benefits working for the City of San Diego? Many people are under the illusion that working for the City we get great benefits....wrong! Actually we get a skeleton medical plan and in fact if you look closely there have been many changes even in the plan that I have but certainly no dental or vision.
I was not completely honest with dentist today when she asked me when I was last at a dentist office, I told her 5 years but actually it has been 10 years and I was embarrassed to say. I've been wanting to go see a dentist for a few years now and would look at ads trying to figure out where to go at a minimum cost. My previous dentist experiences were not positive and they always seem to need to do all this work. They are suppose to be the experts and they have out teeth in their hands.
The people here were very kind and gentle. They were committed in making me comfortable. All the noise freaked me out but I would have that wherever I go. They did an exam and proceeded with the cleaning. After the cleaning the comforting woman explained for my age my teeth are in good shape and I would need one filling. I've been in the fear for not going to the dentist in all these years that I would need more extensive work, so I was really relieved. For the cleaning it was 600baht and the filling was another 800baht (a total of about $45 USD).

If you find yourself in Chiang Mai just go east of the Thapae Gate just a few blocks on the left hand side at 382-384 Thapae Rd. Tel: 0-5387-4149

Intense Thai Massage Work Today!

Gotten quite a few massages in Thailand. Most places that I've been were good and for the price you can't beat it. Have not had a bad one since I've been here and today WOW!
During the Thai Professional Class I was worked on by two student teachers who really put it on me. Both had their own special qualities. My friend Zulu gave me some fantastic heavy work. He has been very good for me and my development to give me great feedback. The first week I took classes one of the things is when we connect with the client we asked do you want soft, medium, or Hard. After a few days working with Zulu and in my practicing he says he wants more so I have added another level....soft, medium, hard, or Zulu? This guy is extremely flexible and likes strong pressure. I just need to scale back some when I work on others. I was so wiped out after he worked on me. There was time left in class but I did not have anything in me to practice so another student teacher used me as an example and he brought another quality which was amazing. After both these guys worked on me I felt like spaghetti. Keep in mind I am a large student especially compared to most who come through this process. I am grateful for such an incredible experience. I know at these massage places if they worked like these guys did all day they could not last in the business.
Thank you my brothers!!!

My Five Wives!!!!!

So many wives, how do I keep track? Just kidding! Last night I joined one of our teacher's from The School of Massage and Health and some of my fellow students. We went to the Night Safari at the Chiang Mai Zoo. It was great to spend time with them and I had so much fun hanging out. The teacher was joking speaking of my Five Wives. Of course I enjoy the attention that I got from them and all the other people around who seem to get a kick from the great time we were having. The best part of the Night Safari for me was the light show later in the night. The grounds were very beautiful and I loved the landscape. As we entered there was a small circus type elephant doing tricks and seemed to make people happy which that part is okay but after my experience at the Patara Elephant Farm and everything I learned there it was a little troubling for me to see. Perhaps if I did not go to the Farm last week I would not feel this way. Besides that I enjoy checking out the flowers, the structure and how informative the rides were through the park. We went during the English version. What a cool evening of fun and laughter. The only thing is at the end of the night my wives booted me out. Just teasing, I love these special women and they made my evening very nice.

A Visit to the Baan Kingkaew Orphanage

I had the wonderful privilege to visit the Baan Kingkaew Orphanage today. In my short visit I was moved at how happy many of the children were. Just to see their beautiful smiles was very special! No need for me to say too much on this and I wanted to just provide a short share for my readers. I had the opportunity to connect with the kids from three different groups and even got a hug, played a few minutes, and was able to feed one child. I really liked how clean the place was and you can tell the team there really care for these children. The grounds are well taken care of and the facility seems very organized. I am proud to have shared just a moment with them and upon my return to Thailand will come to help out however I can if they allow me.

If you care to make a donation you can contact them at: contacktbkk@baan-kingkaew-orphanage.org or www.baan-kingkaew-orphanage.org you can also arrange a monthly direct debit payment with the bank.