moved into Old Chaing Mai

A lot has been going on these past couple of days — we moved into town — our initial choice of rental was a little remote for us so we found another place inside the old city.  Involved a bit of logistics and looking, but we are set, another day — another blog — our new new neighborhood.

We still eat well — this guy is preparing for us a guay yat sai, or omelet, among other dishes — at his sidewalk stall.

We were walking around a wat or Buddhist temple and happened upon a ceremony blessing a  contingent of soldiers — do not know the occasion, one unit is greens, the other in camo.  They were listening to a monk preach / address them.

at the same complex, which was quite large, there was an abundance of buddhas.  and plenty of monks too.

no small building either.

the site has been in use as a temple for a few years.  

this stupa has seen a century or two.

inside the main temple the walls were painted with story telling panels relevant to the life of the Buddha, I think.

and another change from 40 years ago and something still the same. Lottery tickets on the left the same and English newspapers new and welcome. We buy here every morning at 9:30 AM sharp — We start early.

Not sure but Patt could be standing on a road that Mom and Dad walked down with Patt and me 40 years ago when they visited us. We went with them to the tourist shopping craft area outside of Chaing Mai that was along a dusty road with crafts people set up in little tent like and bamboo shops along the road — well things here sure have changed.

but first, the wood carvings have not, still have all the carvings you would ever want.

However now the shops are not only along the road in buildings but also in buildings in mall like sheds shaded by nets to accommodate tourists. Signs announce that sales persons speak German, Dutch, English, Japanese, Chinese and so on. International shipping companies are on every row.

and new products are here too. These are Chinese generals - obviously not targeting the Dutch market.

and Christmas shopping around the world just got easy. You should have seen the people lining up to ship these babies every where.  I bargained and got a discount. Hope you like them.