Songkran jam session

Thank god it's over. I assumed the water fights would go on Friday and Saturday, even though Songkran ended on Thursday. The four days it already lasted (they started a day early) was already too long. Another day would have been unbearable.

But, when I ventured outside, I was pleasantly surprised to see that everything has returned to normal, with no signs of the previous four days of chaos. It's as if the Thais all went totally bonkers to blow off steam, and are now back to their mild-mannered selves. Walking around without getting soaked is pure luxury.

Before people start complaining that I didn't enjoy this Thai tradition as much as I should have, it isn't even really a tradition. The tradition is pouring water over the hands of elders as a gesture of respect. The phenomenon of trying to knock people off their motorbikes with ice cold water from water cannons is a new one.

One good thing about Songkran is that sometimes a beautiful woman will come up to you, smile, and rub white powder on your face, or pour water on you. Thais are generally incredibly shy, and this is about the only time a female would initiate contact with a male.

Guilty Pleasure

Young dancers

Ruairi introduced me to the best restaurant in Chiang Mai, and perhaps Thailand: Mike's Burgers. Juicy hamburgers and hotdogs, chili cheese fries, and the best onion rings I've ever had. Thai food's great and all, but you can't beat a big American burger. Plus, I eat Thai food every day. I'm on holiday here.

Why isn't there a place like this in Bangkok? Actually, I'm glad their isn't, because I would have a heart attack.

Mango Madness

Yellow mango season is upon us, which means you can get sweet, succulent, delicious yellow mangos in addition to the disgusting green ones. And, happily, the best snack ever, mameuang khaow niaow, mango with sticky rice. Slices of mango over sticky rice, covered with sweet coconut milk. Yum!

Chiang Mai photo gallery