day 1

after nearly 26 travel hours, i finally arrived in chiang mai around midnight last night. prior to my departure i spent several days in nashville, connecticut, and new york visiting with friends and loved ones from various phases of my life. the process of saying goodbye is never easy, but this one took me by surprise. i suppose that entrenched in this particular series of goodbyes was also a hope that i was also saying goodbye to an old me. i deliberately have no expectations or wishes for this voyage with the exception that i become a stronger, more aware, more conscious, more thoughtful, more tuned person than i was when i left.

i have a poor habit of second guessing my decisions, and this experience has been no different. we're facing an international economic recession...is this really the time for me to quit my job, relocate around the globe with no promise of a job or even permanent housing? is this really fair to my dog? i've had millions of these insecure thoughts over the past few days, but for every one of these thoughts i am presented with a counter-presence that assures me i've made the right decision. on the flight from hong kong to bangkok yesterday i sat next to a chatty austrian guy who stays in bangkok. we talked about everything from the thai/burmese conflict to the chappelle show, unpretentious and candid. in the midst of my apprehension, he assured me that everything before me was sure to be "magical," a word which suddenly gave me strength and replaced any lingering fears with a sense of joyful anticipation. he was reassuring and supplied me with exactly what i needed to step off the plane with confidence.

i arrived in chiang mai slightly after 10pm, grabbed a taxi to a guest house, and roamed the streets for about an hour trying to take in my first impressions of the city. it was pitch black and raining, and muted. it was a strange feeling not being within reach of someone who knew me, understood me, or would have any interest in talking to me. i wasn't lonely, though. i was inspired by the opportunity that surrounded me. to learn that language, the city layout, the customs...

this morning i woke up and when i hopped in the shower there was a small tropical gecko on the bathroom window. i came to terms with the fact that he might be my only friend in this town for a little while until i'm able to gain my bearings to start exploring and connecting. but i'm in no hurry.

today i've just been strolling around the old city trying to understand the street setup so that i may one day be able to ride my bike through the streets. doesn't look like that's going to happen anytime soon. the roads are jammed with every kind of vehicle imaginable, the painted lane markings wore off years ago, and the few street signals that exist are mere suggestions. everyone is polite, but strikingly aloof given the size and busy nature of the city. i had a type of noodle curry for breakfast and couldn't have been happier with this realization that my favorite dishes no longer have to be confined to supper time.

i'm off to resume my stroll through the city and hopefully get some good pictures. love.