1/25 Lazy day in Chiang Mai

I don’t think we even move today.  The gym, reading, sitting on the balcony.  I finish Water for Elephants and start Lord of the Flies. Ed is finishing 3 books I think, and we’re just sort of bumming around. 

In the afternoon we wander out trying to buy some more rice crackers – which are like rice crispy treats only better – but the little store is closed. So we wander back up and down the main street perusing the eating options for tonight.  We look at all the menus, and just meander.  I see a sign for Thai food 10 meters to the left – so we head down this little non-descript road where there is nothing – absolutely nothing – and wind back through this empty strip shopping  center where at the end of the lot is a Thai restaurant.  Think maybe this is the place for the sign.

We’d seen it before, but hadn’t really asked for a menu. It’s sprawling with different little buildings set in and amongst shrubs and trees and pretty water gardens.  The menu is extensive – with lots of Northern Thai dishes so we settle on this for later.

Good choice too!  When we arrive at Bann Rom Mai for dinner – it’s magical there!  The separate rooms must be karaoke rooms or something because there is music coming from them, but it’s not like they are open for public seating. We get to the hostess after she escorts a couple into one of the music rooms, and she asks inside or outside.  Ok – we’re going back so I’ll take pictures – but seriously – outside is to the left under a white trellis with lots of creeping vines – inside is straight ahead under a tin roof, completely open on all sides.  Inside is better for mosquitoes, she says.  Um…ok. Inside then!

Oh, and you automatically get mosquito spray when you sit down – so I guess the inside IS better for mosquitoes.  LOL.

Anyway, they have music here – two great acoustic singers, one right after the other, that keep us entertained during dinner and then after with another drink.  The food is excellent.  We have papaya salad – so good – Chiang Mai Sausage, pork curry and something else we can’t remember.  It was good, we just have faulty memories!  Oh – and black sticky rice.  Have never had black rice here before, but suddenly it’s all over.  Excellent, great taste, and because it’s the dark rice, so much better for you.

Very nice evening outside (or inside – depending upon your point of view!), great food, great music and of course great company!