Chiang Mai - a cultural shock for us Europeans

In less than two hours flight, we reach Chiang Mai, the second largest city after Bangkok. We are picked up from the airport in the midday heat and check in at the "De Lanna", a mid-range hotel. Colonial style mixes with typical Thai style and you feel well taken care of. The air conditioning is immediately adjusted, either freezing like a dog or sweating like a monkey, in between we can't get it right. My blanket that I brought with me turns out to be the most important piece of luggage.

I sleep really well here and incredibly deep, even though this type of "cot" is anything but soft and a world of difference from my box spring bed at home. And yet this hardness seems to fit Thailand somehow. Everything here is still more original and not as soft as it has become in Europe.

At 4:00 pm we are picked up by our guide "John". From now on we call him "John Boy", although not young anymore, he seems to have a lot of knowledge, is reserved, polite and his laughter is infectious. We have been lucky again, as we will spend a lot of time together until the end of our trip. First, he takes us to a famous temple, I have already forgotten the name, as we have visited countless temples by now and they all somehow resemble each other. Today's temple is located high above Chiang Mai and offers a fantastic view. We listen to the story of Buddha and the monks while chanting.

Buddhism is a religion, but it differs significantly from faith religions such as Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. Like Hinduism and Taoism, Buddha's teachings are an experiential religion. The goal is to develop one's own mind, to achieve the "Buddha nature".

The Buddhists are cremated after their death. Either in a sort of crematorium or in the open air. The ashes can then be scattered either in the sea, in the garden or, more commonly amongst the younger generation, sent into the sky as fireworks.

We haven't eaten anything for the past 2 hours. John Boy seems to hear it and invites us to have a typical Thai dinner at a market.

This time it's me who plays the "guide". I take the lead and follow the scent in my nose.

Do you know why Thais always smile? Because the sun shines and the weather is so warm.

No, of course not. The real reason is the good food in Thailand. Here is a small selection of the best Thai food dishes that you must try: 🙏🏼

Masaman Curry

A classic of southern Thai cuisine - jokingly known as "Curry for wimps" 😂

A short explanation: Curries in Thailand are usually served in three levels of spiciness: yellow (mild), red (medium spicy), and green (spicy=very spicy). The dish consists of meat (usually beef or chicken), roasted peanuts, coconut milk, potatoes, and onions.

The Thai king Phra Phutthaloetla Rama II was so enthusiastic about this curry that he wrote his own poem about it, which is still recited by heart in school today. Who would have thought it.

Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles)

And another classic among Thai dishes, many even consider it the "national food" of Thailand. The stir-fried noodles in tamarind and lime juice are served in many different variations. The result? You have to try it yourself! For me, it's already number 1.

Kaeng Keow Wan

This green curry is spicier than the Kaeng Masaman, but still very tasty. The sweet coconut milk is the perfect contrast to the spicy curry paste and ensures that even sensitive European stomachs can handle it.

Kai Med Ma Muang (Roasted chicken with cashew nuts) 🐓

This is one of the most popular Thai dishes - and for good reason. The chicken soup tastes incredibly delicious and is prepared with essential Thai ingredients, such as lemongrass, chili, lime, shallots, fish sauce, and of course coconut milk. The icing on the cake is the spice galangal (Thai ginger), which provides a pleasantly sour flavor.

I just put it on my shopping list. 😉

One of the main prejudices about Thai food: Everything is spicy. Always. No matter where and what you eat. Of course, that's not true. In Thailand, you can definitely test your personal pain threshold 😂 if you want to. And most of the time, the waiters will ask you how spicy you want it. However, if you're not sure, it's best to learn this Thai sentence by heart: "Maii pedd" not 🌶️ spicy.

However, I have a good feeling about eating spicy food. It somehow counteracts my hot flashes.

We reached the small but lively market, hungry. John stops at a stand whose owner he seems to know. We are seated politely but quickly, and it doesn't take long for our little table to be filled with a variety of delicious Thai dishes. But first, there is a cold and delicious beer, which I was really looking forward to. 🍻

Phad Si Eiw (Noodles with black soy sauce - my favorite)

Khao Sot Noodle (with typical Chiang Mai noodles and chicken - Sabine's favorite)

And of course, for dessert, Sticky Mango Rice, which is not typical Thai, but sooo delicious.

After this sumptuous meal, I have definitely gained weight. A little tipsy, it turned out to be several beers, 🍻 we leave the market and throw ourselves into the nightlife.

Chiang Mai only comes alive when the sun has already set.

Berlin seems boring in comparison. 🥱