12th January, 2017

The title tells you much and explains why I have been somewhat tardy in posting another blog (you will note that I am posting this on Sunday, 15/1). Now, where did I leave you last? Ah yes, last, rainy, Wednesday. Well, we decided that we really must get out on Thursday, which was overcast, but, as it turned out, dry (probably because I carried an umbrella around with me). So we took the 1000am shuttle into town and walked through part of the old city we had not seen before. We also managed to book a couple of tours for Friday and Saturday at a MUCH cheaper rate than the hotel.

We meandered with a purpose as we had set our sights on some 10 pin bowling which, we were assured, was available at a shopping mall just outside the northwest corner of the old city. As we entered from the east, it was a good walk, but we were up for it and there is always a temple or two to keep you amused and spiritually up to speed on the way.

I hope you like the photo of the dragon! We trudged on (luckily, the temperature in Chiang Mai is like a nice summer’s day in England at this time of year) and made our way up to 4th floor of the mall (Thais seem to love malls) and good news, there was a bowling alley and it was open. At £5 total for 3 games each we laid into it and played 6 each with Val coming up tops 4-2, though I can lay claim to the highest score of 148, which I thought was pretty good considering the ball felt somewhat elliptical! It was then time for ‘home’, so a quick negotiation with a tuk-tuk driver and off into the traffic we went. I enjoyed the advertisement in his vehicle (below) and, as you will see from the photos, you are never far from home!

Nice photo of Val, too.

Ok, I am going to post this and then start the next one. Back soon……