Leaving Pai

April 24

Today we have to leave our little corner of Paradise and head back to Chiang Mai.  We have a pretty leisurely departure from our hotel and head into town around 10:00 for breakfast/lunch.  Once we check out, we lug all of our stuff up to the main road where we find our favorite lunch spot, The Flour Power Bakery and the kids and Paulie have something to eat followed by lime & mint shakes.  I, on the other hand, go off in search of fresh Samosas.  I am out of luck as the lady who ususally has a batch made for purchase at her roadside stand seems to be out of both Samosas and her usualy fried chicken legs.  Oh well, I will continue on to the shop where I want to try to purchase another pair of Fisherman Pants – a style of dress here that is both comfortable and stylish.   I finally found a shop that has patterned ones and want to get another pair.  Alas, the store is closed so I continue on to find a bite to eat and settle at a restaurant beside the bus station where I will surely see the family in a matter of minutes.  I have a Panaeng Curry with rice and it really hits the spot.  We reconvene at the bus a short time later and are ready for the long and windy ride back to Chiang Mai.  We have front row seats this time, with Paulie and Sam in front and Annie, Hudson and Me behind them along with 8 or 9 other assorted riders.  Our minivan is off and we are soon tossing and turning around the reported 762 curves that one must survive in order to reach our destination.  Soon, we are hearing the ugly sounds of vomiting coming from the back of the bus.  Luckily, I have given Dramemine to Annie and Hudson to hopefully protect them against car sickness.  After about an hour and a half, we stop for a potty and lunch break and then it’s back in the minivan for the duration.  Thankfully, this driver is much more merciful than the last one and he takes the turns and curves with a bit of compassion for the passengers.  We arrive in Chiang Mai around 3:30 and make our way to the Chiang Mai Thai House where we have a reservation for the night.  First thing after getting our bags up the 8 flights of stairs we  take an immediate dip in the pool.  I decide to do a little last minute window shopping and find a couple of souvenirs for friends back home, before returning to the pool.  We take care of a few more necessary errands before heading out for dinner.  We take a recommendation from our Scottish friend, Amanda, and eat at a very closeby restaurant.  Can’t believe we didn’t’ find this place sooner.  We have a great meal and then return to the hotel for what we hope will be an early night.