Chillin in the Red Light District

Hung out in the red light district of Chiang Mai for the last couple of nights. It was definitely good time. It was also very disturbing to see so many old white men with young working girls. It is a sad site to see, but it is what it is…

 

I was wondering why they called it “Red Light District.” Its red.

No Red Light District is complete without a kickboxing ring.

Its sad how tourist can be taken advantage of in the wrong part of town. I guess that comes with the territory. I can’t and won’t chase after what others are chasing… Its fun for me as an observer, but at the end of the day, its life for most. If you buy into the submissive allure of asian culture, then you are already a victim. I can’t get no love from these ladies out here…I wonder if it is on purpose or are they looking out for me? My new quote of this journey is “When in Rome…” Once again today I listened to my instinct and it got me out of a dodgy situation. I guess I’m just not meant to have an exciting sexcapade of an adventure like other lucky travelers. Oh well… 

Journal Entry: 11.01.2013

Reality

There’s a family that lives next to the hostel that I stayed at. The hostel is expanding its building, which means the lot that this family lives on will not be available for them anymore. Its rather sad but its reality here in Thailand.

Motorbike ride up Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara, Chiang Mai

Rented a 150 cc today to get to a temple (Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara) on top of a mountain. It was an interesting ride. A little scary getting out of the city since traffic was constant. Rode it like we stole it once we got out of the city though. Well, at least one of us did.

 

Rental 150cc motorbike

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Stairway to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara

Entrance to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Rajvoravihara

Joe at a lost of words.

Green Buddha

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a 10 hours train ride from Bangkok. The city itself is surrounded by mountains and forest, which makes it an ideal place for trekking. Unlike Bangkok, Chiang Mai doesn’t have a proficient public transportation system, which makes getting around a little difficult. Its more laid back than Bangkok, but is starting to gain steam on tourism.

A local outdoor market in Chiang Mai.

A map of Chiang Mai

Our view half way up the mountain. It was beautiful seeing the whole city. It was difficult to capture what was seen and felt.

-From Chiang Mai with Love-