Monday Musings: A Moment of Clarity In Chiang Mai

Just a few days before flying into Chiang Mai last week, I seriously regretted booking the ticket. I didn’t need to be there; my husband was scheduled to speak at a conference and I simply decided to join him on a whim a few months ago. When I travel these days it is usually because of work, typically buying jewelry or something beauty-related. There was no work to be done in Chiang Mai. On top of that the tickets were kinda expensive and we didn’t take a direct flight! The direct flight cost almost as much as going to Europe so that wasn’t an option. Finally, I didn’t know much about Chiang Mai and on the Internet it honestly didn’t look like my kind of place. So yes, I was even thinking of just not going even though I had paid for my flight already.

I’m so glad I went though. It’s easily one of the best trips I’ve had in a while! Chiang Mai is stunning. Located in the northern part of Thailand, it is a 700-year old city filled with gilded temples and surrounded by lush green mountains. The food was insanely good - every single meal I had from expensive restaurants to street-side vendors was a real pleasure. The cafe culture there is also on fire with so many interesting concepts and actually good coffee. I had a great experience at the night markets as well as shopping in the trendy Nimman district. Have I mentioned that everything in Chiang Mai is afforable? From temples to food to shopping, for me, everything I experienced is a 10/10.

I plan to go back maybe next year again for the same conference, as an attendee this time. But I’ll probably try the sleeper train or another flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai instead of Manila to Chiang Mai via Kuala Lumpur. It was really too far and took too much time!

Anyway, this unexpected trip to Chiang Mai became a profound lesson in simplicity and perspective. Amid its tranquil streets and vibrant culture, I discovered that life's complexities often stem from my own overthinking. In Chiang Mai, simplicity was not just a concept but a way of life. I also realized that sometimes, a change in scenery is all it takes to see your path clearly. The city's charm lay in its ability to turn the mundane into something magical, encouraging me to embrace life's simple joys and look at challenges from a fresh perspective.

And so, my trip to Chiang Mai wasn't just a break from my routine; it was a journey towards self-discovery. It reminded me that life doesn't have to be an endless race to the top. Instead, it can be a delightful stroll through interesting experiences and learning about new things. I'm already looking forward to my next visit, not just for the conference, but to rediscover the simple joys that this beautiful city has to offer.