It's great to be able to surprise yourself every so often - keeps you young and on your toes, in the best of ways. Since the mid 1990s it's been our practice to carve out time to go on regular retreats.
In a past life, while fully immersed in a spiritual community, this was easy to attain. Back on home ground on our own, it's become a bit more challenging to achieve.
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| they have carabaos here too |
After a year in our island home, wonder wander women carved out some me-time and took a trip away from it all. We needed some time to recover and recoup after a long hard year of uncertainty and loss.
All over Asia and the orient, institutions and industries have made it their business to cater to the growing need of a post covid population with a renewed lease on life and in search of balance and holistic wellbeing.
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| a quaint boutique hotel on a quiet side street |
Retreat centers and resort spas have sprouted up all over - offering anything and everything to entice and pamper the weary and worried mass of locals and visitors.
At first the aim was just to get away and explore some new territory. Amazingly what unfolded was a sweet revelation and deeper dive into the self - all at a self-generated pace of quiet grace.
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| the canal moat & old fortress walls |
Since it's been a while since our last solo trip, we preferred to steer toward a popular destination with some tried and true travel infrastructure. Thailand at this time of year was an easy option, although we sought to stay away from the more popular and overcrowded areas like Bangkok or Phuket.
Chiang Mai Old Town was ideal - filled with history, culture, and unique local experiences. From ancient temples to bustling markets, sumptuous street food, museums and galleries - a living thriving culture in countless iterations, from ancient to spanking brand new.
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| a refreshing chilled vegan mid-day meal |
Chiang Mai is renowned for its vegan cuisine based on Buddhist food known for their bold flavors that often feature rich curries, fresh vegetables and fruits, unique spices and herbs.
Home instilled native pride strongly supports local grown fresh produce - from coffee beans to vegetables gardens sponsored by Thai royals. Whether you try khan tok or khao soi - this is one of the first places Anthony Bourdain recommended in his famous series "A Cook's Tour."
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| wholesome fresh, locally sourced plant-based meals |
We booked a vegetarian ayurvedic retreat at a local center and spa within the walled ancient part of Chiang Mai. Allowing the adventure to take us on a slow meandering weave through a small enclave of old culture mixed and matched with modernized convenience.
The recommended daily calendar at our chosen venue offered a loose structure with a variety of optional activities. Each day would entice us with a diverse menu to hunt and pick through, offering choice delights and specialties.
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| open lanai where daily afternoon drinks & snacks are enjoyed |
6:00 a.m. meditation & yoga7:00 breakfast8:00 options - walk about, lecture, workshop12:00 p.m. lunch2:00 open break - tea & snack time4:00 options - spa, yoga, meditation, chanting6:00 dinner7:00 options - walk about, pool, presentation9:00 back in quarters
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| a modern structure with some traditional touches |
Chiang Mai Old Town is a captivating blend of history, culture, and local life. Ancient temples, vibrant markets, and delicious street food all combine to create a truly unique experience.
Our days here start with temple bells tolling and the droning chants of monks, varied bird calls from branches with exotic blooms perfuming the still cool air.
There are more than 300 temples in and outside of Chiang Mai, with around 117 of them inside the old city. Chiang Mai was founded more than 700 years ago, serving as the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom in Northern Thailand. Strolling through this historical district, transports us back to another time.
Inside the old city square are plenty of pretty streets, boutique hotels and shops, quirky cafes and eateries, traditional temples, several massage and nail salons, as well as yoga or Muay Thai (kick boxing) gyms.
The fortress moat provides an open canal that helps to cool down temperatures as we stroll within and outside of its surrounding ancient walls.
Old-time homes, richly carved cultural centers, and modern-day structures jostle snuggly together - adding to the collective charm of the city. Private and public gardens provide much needed seclusion and sweet-scented relief for curious explorers.
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| local home with cooling vents & louvers |
Several galleries and little enclaves are tucked around shaded streets - for passersby to view, browse, and purchase so much. ceramic pottery, woven baskets and textiles, batik and local dyed fashion, and a variety of modern and traditional art and crafts.
There's lots here on offer for everyone to enjoy at their own rhythm and interest. Whether exploring temples, savoring a bowl of khao soi, or browsing lively markets, Chiang Mai Old Town is a must-visit destination that beautifully captures the essence of the city.
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| art, craft & culture at Kalm museum of makers |
Wanderlust fulfilled, these happy campers had our soul seekers and craft curious selves fully satisfied and sated. May our next adventure approach as auspiciously as this one did.
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