Squeezing in a posting just before May ends

May was a busy month; recovering from Dengue, getting pneumonia in the process (western people are not meant to be in the tropics), finalizing my transaction in Cambodia/Vietnam (I plan to write a separate post on this), starting new discussions in Turkey and spending some time off with the family in Chiang Mai .... this is going to be a family posting so I will continue with Chiang Mai.

Looking down on Chiang Mai from from Doi Suthep

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest city  situated in the mountainous north, about one hour away from Bangkok by plane.  It is a popular destination for people seeking to escape the heat.  During this time of year it is as hot as Bangkok but it gets substantially cooler the rest of the year; between 5 to 10 degrees cooler than Bangkok.
As I mentioned before the hotels in Thailand tend to surprise on the upside ... and this time it was no different.  The first two nights we stayed at "The Veranda", a beautiful resort situated on the hills outside of Chiang Mai. It is a very modern hotel with the most amazing garden.  It is truly mind boggling that places like this can exist at these rates; the gardens and facilities must cost a fortune to maintain.

The reception area at "the Veranda"

A serene environment oozing tranquility

Quinn playing with the neighbor

The 'infinity pool' comes standard at Asian hotels

Even Tibbe is getting used to luxury

Quinn overcoming her fear of animals. For a while something bigger than a flee was a reason to scream.

Resting a bit ... Quinn is troubled by motion sickness on the winding roads around Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai is known for the elephant training centers; 'tractors of the jungle'

Another unbelievable garden at the Four Seasons.  I'm afraid I'm spoiled for life now.

Quinn always loves the little shrines ... they do look like dollhouses.

Doi Suthep temple.

Ringing the bells ... a series for the tall and a series for the very short

'Hey mister, can I hold your baby?'

The Thai fascination for babies starts at a young age. Tibbe cuddled by the girls from a hill tribe

Tibbe catching up with Quinn ... small babies get big.

Sisterly love

Yet more luxury: the Chedi in Chiang Mai

Sultana Quinn Edibe watching Disney Chanel

The men looking cool ... spot the differences.

A stroll to the Ping river

Exploring the Chedi hotel ... hip surroundings

Quinn LOVES tuc-tucs ... I'll have to get her one in Amsterdam

Tibbe is still getting used to the tuc-tuc

Our proud driver

Bugaboo Bee advertisement .... highly recommended when having kids and traveling a lot.