Birthday Girl
No birthday blues this year, I told myself. It was my birthday in Thailand, but there were still 6 hours to go till my birthday in Nigeria because Thailand is 6 hours ahead. I was in a dilemma about which day to celebrate, so I decided to post on both days.
“Happy Birthday Abbie.” I tried to reply to all the comments on my post. I spent most of the day in bed sleeping and only finally stood up when I wanted something to eat. I had tteokbokki and noodles for the very first time, well, I’ve had noodles before, just not the former. I didn’t know how to prepare it myself, but a Thai girl named Jane saw I was in distress and decided to help. We ended up having a really good conversation about our different lives.
My time in Bangkok was over, and it was time to leave for my next destination. I planned this trip and itinerary myself, by the way, with the help of TikTok videos, Google Maps, extensive research, and data. You can achieve this too. So far, no regrets.
Bye Bangkok, you will forever be famous.
Chiang Mai
The apartment I got in Chiang Mai was breathtaking. I just knew my holiday was about to get even better. Chiang Mai is in the north of Thailand, with many mountains, lots of trees, and beautiful temples.
I was fortunate enough to be visiting Thailand during Songkran. During Songkran, people engage in water fights, the streets are packed with citizens and tourists, and everyone is just having so much fun with water guns. I got myself one too for 150 baht.
I participated on several days and was also caught unawares a few times and sprayed with water.
On my first day in Chiang Mai, I decided to take a stroll. It’s something I do, get to know my environment and mark the nearest 7-Eleven to me. I love 7-Eleven. I ended the night with The Office, watching Jim and Pam kiss for the first time.
The next day was for the art and craft village. I got myself a postcard, which I later misplaced. At the village you can learn a lot, pottery, painting, and see many handmade pieces. If you’re interested in art, you’ll like it.
I kept strolling and stumbled into a cat café. The café was filled with cats, and you pay 150 baht to pet as many as you want. Cute.
While having lunch, I spilled oil on my white shirt, so I had to buy a new one for 299 baht. Good spend because I love it. Later that day, I visited the night market.
The next day I went to a waterfall. It was a fantastic picnic spot. I did a little hiking and spotted a rare lizard. I noticed Thai people are very big on community and respectful PDA. I admire that so much about them. I also passed a very interesting museum on my way home.
Chiang Mai stole my heart. I was in awe going through the different night markets. I think night markets are a must-see in Thailand.
My accommodation came with a very nice gym that gave you a beautiful view of the city, but I didn’t use it because you know all vacation days are cheat days.
In Bangkok I saw a dog café.
In Chiang Mai I saw a cat café.
And then I saw a lion café. Best believe they had lions in the café. I was shocked. Thailand just kept surprising me.
I visited the zoo too. They had pandas, hippopotamuses, giraffes, and gazelles, but that faithful day the pandas were resting. It was a nice walk, everything was beautiful, and I was having brain freeze, but from happiness. I can say I was truly happy that day.
I wasn’t able to visit all the beautiful temples, but the things I did were enough for me. I’ll attach an itinerary list of places in Chiang Mai for anyone who wants to visit.
I hope you love reading… see you in Part 3.