Published: 01.02.2025
At 6:00 AM, the alarm went off again. I hit the snooze button a couple of times, wondered briefly why I wake up earlier on vacation than I do typically during the workweek, and then jumped under the hot shower. I then took an iced coffee from my fridge that I had purchased the night before at the local 7/eleven. It just isn't the same as the usual hot coffee in the morning to get going. At 7:01 AM (which is 9 minutes before pickup time), I received two WhatsApp sticker messages from an unknown Thai number that somehow suggested my guide might be on site. I quickly shoved my last belongings into my backpack and went to the hotel lobby. Though it sounds like more, I only waited there for 5 minutes, and then Vadit, my tour guide for the day, arrived. After the driver had managed to maneuver the minibus out of the driveway with some difficulty, we began our three-hour drive to Chiang Rai after picking up the other participants (four Brazilians, four Taiwanese, and me as the European representative). After about an hour, we made our first stop at a tourist trinket shop complex; but with the opportunity to purchase a hot café latte. Now the day could really get started. Then we hit the road again, which is currently being significantly upgraded between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, allowing me to observe the differences in local road construction along the way. The first (real) stop was Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan, located about 60 km from Chiang Rai. I won’t delve into the various historical details here, but it was constructed over the last 19 years, combining numerous architectural styles. Next, we continued to the fascinating 'White Temple'. Modern architecture. Very genius. Just like our last stop, the 'Blue Temple', I'll let the pictures speak for themselves... Both temples should be distinguishable for the inclined reader ;-) ... Then we traveled for more than three hours over bumpy roads back to Chiang Mai in hot weather, passing flooded fields, relaxed rice farmers, and local country charm. Occasionally, we encountered some overloaded trucks and people carriers that would give any German safety expert a fit during the pre-evening rush hour...
After returning from Chiang Rai, I quickly treated myself to an instant coffee in the hotel lobby and then had a hot shower to freshen up. Then it was off for an evening stroll to the old city wall (which is only a 20-minute walk from my quarters in the hotel) near the Thaphae Boxing Stadium. I also found a great spot for my dinner quite quickly. During the ordering process, I was told—amid multiple apologies—that no beer could be served today. This would be the case until tomorrow at 6:00 PM because of the big election happening in Thailand. Hmm, everything was so nice here so far. 😅... Going to the election with a clear head; what kind of fashions are these here... But then there was a big water to go with the Thai dish... The meal, Massaman curry in the chicken variant, was extremely delicious. Even though it didn’t have any chili peppers on the menu to indicate 'spicy', I did feel a certain burning on my tongue and a few beads of sweat forming on my forehead, but still very tasty, I must remember this. It's worth noting that Thais have a somewhat different perception of spiciness in food... While waiting for the food, I quickly studied the rules of Muay Thai boxing, as I should be heading to the ring next door shortly. I was quickly assigned my seat there, and a short time later, the show began. Seven fights were on the program in different weight classes, in both men's and women's categories. None of the fights were meant to go the full distance; that is, all ended early with KOs. The longest fight lasted 2.5 rounds, and the shortest was over after about 15 seconds in the first round... The fights always begin with some dance performances to honor the fighter's master or fighting school. Then the fights commence with music in the background reminiscent of snake charming tunes. The Muay Thai fights operate in a very fair manner; after the fight, respect is shown to the opponent and all participants, and there are no provocations like one might see in boxing, but punches and kicks fly during the fight...
