Wednesday, January 5, 2022
A Walk in the Old City after Yoga Practice

Now that I have returned to yoga practice at Wild Rose Yoga, I have settled into a something of a routine. Given the state of the pandemic and its effect on tourism, there is only one class per day at Wild Rose at 10:00 AM. The result is that after yoga practice, it is afternoon, and hot, and I have not been motivated to take long walks exploring the city, the temples, the markets, etc. The yoga classes are two-hours long (scheduled for 90 minutes, but they almost always end up very close to two hours), and they are a little bit deceptive in that they start slowly and build and the next thing I know I am sweating and breathing heavily. I am loving the classes, and they leave me less motivated to go out exploring in the hot afternoon. When it starts to cool down in the early evening, I often go out walking, but it is dark and not conducive to good photography. I did take my camera with me today as I walked up to Blue Diamond after yoga practice for the first time this visit to Chiang Mai.

The Monument to the Three Kings

One the way to Blue Diamond, I passes the Monument to the Three Kings. These are the three kings who founded Chiang Mai in 1296, King Mengrai and his friends, the King of Payao and the King of Sukhothai. I walk by this often, and just love their proud look:

Thai Airways Office

I also walk by the Thai Airways Chiang Mai office frequently. I have on occasion been inside when I needed to change a flight, and the staff is very helpful.

Blue Diamond

Shortly, I arrived at Blue Diamond right off Moon Muang Road Soi 9. They are known for their organic fare, serve both western and Thai dishes, and are a favorite for breakfast among many tourists. I was in the middle, so I ordered a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich a small plate of fruit, and a watermelon smoothie. The multigrain bread is baked at Blue Diamond, and is always fresh and tastes good.

Khun Nee runs Blue Diamond. (In Thai, “khun” is a very respectful genderless salutation. They typically use your first name, so I would be Khun Jim.) In some reviews, Khun Nee has been likened to a rude and abrupt New Yorker. That is all right – her job is not to be your best friend, rather, she is there to run the business, and make sure you get good food promptly. And the food is very good. If you like deserts, the cinnamon rolls are a treat, and I have also often bought 6 or 8 coconut macaroons to take with me and eat over the next couple of days (they are too good to last long). So because the food and service are good, I always compliment her when I am paying. She has never been rude or abrupt with me. Also, I have been coming there for almost 10 years of visits to Chiang Mai, and she remembers me. I have met her husband but seldom see him. I think he manages another shop they own.

Here is the entrance to Blue Diamond. Immediately inside are a few tables of baked goods for sale.

Khun Kae’s Juice

Just south of Blue Diamond on Soi 7 ( a soi is smaller than a street, larger than an alley, more like a lane) is Khun Kae’s Juice. I have also been coming here for many years, and it is a favorite. They also pride themselves on using organic produce for their juices and smoothies.

For some reason, I thought Khun Kae was a man. I was here last week with John (husband of Rose, the owner of Wild Rose Yoga), and he introduced me to Khun Kae. She is a really nice lady, and runs a very good business. One of my favorite smoothies is coconut-banana-peanut butter. Peanut butter is not common in Thailand, and that smoothie really hits the spot.

Somphet Market

Just a little further south of Khun Kae’s Juice on Moon Muang Soi 6 is Somphet Market, a very old and very busy produce market in the old city. Many of the guest house cooks shop here since it is convenient and much easier than going to Muang Mai Market (a very large produce, meat, poultry, and fish market slightly north and east of the old city – in fact, very close to the American Consulate office). In the morning, this is a very busy place, and much quieter as I walked by in the early afternoon.

Here is a little closer view of some of the vegetables and fruit:

I am a little late in posting this – it is now January 9, and this walk took place on January 5. All is well – I am practicing yoga every day; I am sweating, it is tiring, and I am loving it. The Thai teachers are really skilled at yoga, and also are really gifted and passionate teachers. It is tiring and yet so uplifting. I am so very grateful to Rose and the Wild Rose Yoga community.

Next: A walk to Wat Sri Suphan for Tok Sen
(and maybe a picture of me…yes, I’m really here in Chiang Mai)