Back to Chiang Mai and Winding Down

We originally thought we might take two days to drive back to Chiang Mai, but somehow the day just moved along and Tee, our ever patient driver (who surely was on overload of time spent with the Ladies on Tour), suggested just keeping on to home. So we did. He called the guest house we had stayed at before and reservations at for out last two days and yes, they could squeeze us in.

 We were coming out of the mountains, so still lots of ups and downs and curves, but nothing like the road up to Pai and Mae Hong Son. We stopped at an overlook and saw this beautiful terraced hillside.

 Here's a close up view. 

Totally couldn't survive in Thailand without 7-11. They happily make change from 1,000 baht bills (approximately $30) and they had sodas with ice!! And yogurt. And Snickers. And...well, you get the idea. And they are everywhere!

Martha and I in the back seat of our little Toyota Vios...Tee drove (on the left, remember) and Indira rode shotgun.

Our guest house welcomed us back with orchids on our beds.

 The next day, Tee went to work and we went to:

Butter Is Better, an American style diner. The food was great...the atmosphere was 60's rock music and diner decor! Sandy, if you haven't been, it's a definite destination!

 Waiting for our order...

...I had a BLT which came with cole slaw and potato chips. How cool is that? The bread tasted like homemade. And if you know me, you know I love my bacon! : )

We then went to a little "mall" and found a small suitcase (very pink!) for me to bring home...I need more room than I came with. (Indira is borrowing one of Martha's extra duffels). And we wandered our way back to the guest house. Martha went home and worked on getting ready for her trip to Nepal and we kicked back. It was a good laid back afternoon.

Tee joined us after work and we took a songthaew around the outside of the Old City, across the river and back to Duke's for a final dinner together. I had a steak salad and very yummy onion rings. Too full! : )

 This flower pot was one of a series on the bridge where we crossed the river.

The next day, our last day in Chiang Mai, The Ladies on Tour headed out across the city with a final special destination in mind.

 On the balcony of our guest house (we were on the second floor)

No matter where were headed, it usually started out with a walk.

 This vertical garden was actually a panel that held pots.

Our first stop was a barber shop where Indira got a haircut for 80 baht...about $2.25

 A little shorter than usual, but very nice.

Martha was getting a Mohawk style for going to Nepal (where she will be volunteering for a month with All Hands Volunteers building a school).  

Once that task was completed, we headed off for a delightful afternoon repast at Monsoon Tea. And that's where I'll pick up the story next time. : )