Quite the Opposite of Busy
10:10am, February 2. Chiang Dao, Malee’s
The mist clouds everything here: the mountain scape and faraway distance of road ahead; tree-tops and roofs. It feels as if the clouds have descended on this little traveller’s community nestled on the side of Mt. Chiang Dao about 77 kilometres north of Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai.
We had planned to board at Chiang Dao Nest Bungalows after escaping the mighty grip of Bangkok’s lightning-fast lifestyle of congestion, pollution and in-your-face-ness. The Nest referred us to their neighbour, Malee’s Nature Lovers’ Bungalows1 and it is here where we have found rest and solitude.
When leaving Chiang Mai on an hour and half songthaew drive up the mountain, I had been apprehensive of leaving the bright lights and convenience behind, but here we have found a different brand of lights and amenities: a star speckled sky and genuine hospitality.
Everyone who arrives here has a purpose, be it birdwatching, trekking or plain relaxing. The long courtyard is flanked by small bungalows that lead to the centre of the establishment: the kitchen and dining area. Here we laugh, meet new people, compare interests and scratch the necks of fluffy dogs that never seem to get enough attention.
Most of our time here has been shrouded in unexpected monsoon rain that falls in sheets and add a joyful ring to rooftops and broad leaves. It is damp—clothes and towels take forever to dry—but not dampening.
Last full day here and the sun’s finally out. We may go for that bike ride after all.
- The Nest have dominated the internet with their very useful but somewhat annoying website and it seems as if they’re the only reputable ones in the area. Malee’s is no worse and was the original bungalow resort established fourteen years ago. [↩]
meds
15 February 2008; 10pm
hope you’re enjoying yourself :D
I need to learn to go on holiday and relax. I travel, but I don’t let go.. too concerned about getting a good shot to remember the trip by. :\
bacon bit
16 February 2008; 7pm
you had me at “birdwatching” and “fluffy dogs”, and since “kitchen” and “dining area” have foodie connotations, you half had me at those too =)
you must have loved your trip! i would have loved to have ridden on a songthaew, too, bumpy ride (?) and all. and your photographs are so beautiful, as always..like you =)
see you and mattie! love you both -big hug-
Jasmin
17 February 2008; 10pm
Thanks, girls!
@Kristina: the place was beautiful, i didn’t have to try very hard to make good photographs!
@Meds: me, too. I’ve learnt to shoot on the fly and in the mad rush I find good gems of photos.
@Ruth: Matthew and I loved the second half in the mountains, it was a wonderful reminder of the untouched beauty in the world.
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Kristina
13 February 2008; 7am
Some really gorgeous pictures up there =]