Part 5 - GLITTER, BATS & A DIGNIFIED FAREWELL

Today, I'm taking it easy. Sleeping in. Catching my breath. And then brunching – just as one should on a proper vacation day.

We find a totally adorable little restaurant called Robert Bake & Bruch. Named after the owner's dog. And yes – Robert is just as sweet as you can imagine. While I wait for my breakfast bowl, the little guy comfortably sits on my lap and enjoys a nice petting. A day really couldn’t start better.

The drink I ordered – whose name I unfortunately completely forgot – was extraordinarily delicious. And it sparkled.
I convinced myself that I now have glitter pee.
I stand by this statement.

The breakfast bowl was fantastic. Exactly what I needed. Full, happy, a little hyper from the glitter.

After brunch, we take a relaxed walk through the old town of Chiang Mai and discover – surprise – even more temples (including Wat Lok Moli). After a quick stop at 7/11 (our unofficial home), we head back to the apartment. A little power nap. Professional vacationers know: absolutely necessary.

In the evening, more culture is on the agenda. We go to the temples Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Wat Umong was built in 1296 and is therefore the first truly ancient temple complex that I get to admire here. The temple is peacefully situated in a wooded landscape on Suthep Road. In the vicinity, there are numerous historical artifacts, including the Asoka pillar, which is dedicated to the Indian king Asoka Maharaja.

Especially fascinating is the tunnel-like architecture of the temple. It was deliberately built this way to create a nearly silent atmosphere for meditation. Apparently, the bats liked this quite well too – as they hang closely together from the ceiling in the tunnels. Incredibly cute. And slightly creepy. But above all, cute.

The second temple of the evening is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the landmark of Chiang Mai. It is located about 15 kilometers outside the old town on the mountain of the same name. Already at the parking lot, I notice the temperature difference: stifling heat down in the city, pleasantly cool up here.

The first moment upon entering the temple complex is simply breathtaking. The centerpiece is the imposing, gilded Chedi, which seems to almost glow in the light. I even get to participate in a Buddhist prayer – a very calm, meditative experience that surprisingly touches me deeply.

The whole experience is crowned by a gigantic view over Chiang Mai. What a city.

Back in the old town, we go one last time in search of food. Today, we end up at Khamfu. And to be honest: I haven't eaten anything in Chiang Mai that I didn't like. I love Thai cuisine.
There's stir-fried chicken with black pepper. Nomnomnom.

Thank you, Chiang Mai – for this wonderful time. 💛

Soon we’ll be heading to Krabi :)