Did I feel rested and ready for the elephants during that final day in Chiang Mai? Absolutely not, even still I brushed away my tiredness because I knew that disjointed day would deliver and it did! I didn't just have my eyes on those majestic elephants because I had booked a VIP seat to see the Muay Thai, I was ready! Connecting the dots, something definitely took me higher! Go!
I was really doing too much, Thailand needed to tell me to slowdown but I wasn't listening as I burned the candle at both ends! Picked up at another ungodly hour, I had decided to bring forward my elephant experience because I wanted to have time in-between the boxing. Getting away from that cute walled city felt correct, the other people on the tour weren't up for conversation but I would encounter some curious Australians along the way at the sanctuary. Rude! Now, I always have my suspicions with the Thai elephant 'sanctuaries' because some really want to exploit those beautiful creatures for the tourist coins. Arriving before time, I didn't appreciate the briefing because I was going to behave, the changing procedure wasn't the one, two or three! Nevertheless, I kept it moving because those elephants needed feeding. I turned a blind eye to some of the structures because I wasn't about to perpetuate any mis-treatment of animals. They had better be taking good care of those animals because humans are just stupid!
I got my chance to feed the towering elephants, they were huge and so very beautiful! I soaked in every single moment, it was like no other experience. Keeping my distance, I was still mindful that the elephants were packing some serious weight, I was cautious! People were yet again doing too much, taking their photos with the elephants, I didn't feel the need because I wanted to marvel at them without those fools present. I for one loved my experience with the elephants, I still had my reservations but I didn't see any other being used for riding purposes. I witnessed them eating their plant-based snacks, they were really unbothered and it gave the energy they were only present for the food, let alone our entertainment. The final part of the experience saw those tourists join the elephants in a pool of water, the elephants sprayed those individuals playfully. I knew that I had had my moment with the elephants, I did not need to be part of the problem any further. Get me back to my hostel, I was in need of a rest and some refreshment!
My Muay Thai boxing viewing wasn't until the evening time, I had some time to kill! I had grand plans but something told me that I needed to relax and be content with those immediate surroundings. I wanted to see something away from the walled city gates, I definitely made those ideas into a reality. Choosing 'Nimmana Haeminda' to unlock those chic coffee shops because I was in my delusional era, I really was! I had only entertained something 'plant based' the other night but in a small measure, I told myself that I had done my time but that was a falsehood. 'Pan Yan Yai Coffee' had me facing that herbal temptation head on, that was really shady! I loved my honey butter toast with an obligatory Thai tea, iced because the afternoon weather was really warm. I was trying to simmer, I really needed to plan my next move but I had those pre-rolled temptations in view! I needed to hail a Grab car but I was about to be making another choice of transportation, to a very different state of mind. My coffee shop era was about to end, a choice!
Going towards a specific colour, the one you mix blue and yellow together, you get the picture? I did! 'Go Green' held the key, I had already clocked their café location on the opposite side of the road. I knew that such a pursuit for the third time was a choice because my working location didn't align with the relaxed notion of Thailand, I had really picked a destination! Knowing that it was going to be the final flutter, I went for a flavor that I can't remember the name of for certain reasons. I had not really had the most hearty breakfast because I had not, neither did that toast fill me up, I was heading for trouble and I just saw green flags everywhere! Crossing the road, I chased a different kind of thrill, what I felt amongst the haze was pure bliss! Dreams felt like reality, the world felt slower, I thought more clearly but that was all just an illusion. Let me just say I needed a nap and a McDonald's before the boxing, I saw that as my own rescue remedy. 'Nimmana Haeminda' took me to another dimension, I knew when to call that GRAB!
Bangkok offered Muay Thai venues but myself and Andy had opted for the 'Ping Pong' show. I knew that 'Krabi' would be about the beach, seeing the boxing whilst in Chiang Mai felt right. I had booked a VIP ticket the day before or something, I wanted my final evening in Chiang Mai to go out with a bang! Feeling fresh, I was able to find my way to the boxing venue before time without any issues, that was where some non-physical punches were pulled because the guy on the front was dizzy! I was admitted entry with my ticket but the price didn't meet the quality because I paid a lot more! I sat on that bench for a quick second before checking that someone had made a mistake, that person was not me! Like a sucker punch, it was quickly revealed they had misread my ticket and I was ushered towards the VIP section. I had the pick of the most centrally located seat over the ring, also drinks were free flowing with snacks available! I had not chose the cheap seats for that reason! Chiang Mai, let's be having you! Oh, I was ready for it all!
Testosterone was in the air, those fighters did the most! Punches were thrown, moves were made, there was a lot of male energy in the air! The first two fights looked to be local beginners with one punch ending that first round. As the night carried on, more experienced and built fighters entered the ring. I caught a glimpse of some foreign specimens, they looked ripe for the fight! It was pure entertainment, it was Drag in the finest form, from the shorts to the muscle! The final few fights turned up the pace, it was every man for themselves, I especially enjoyed the more established boxers, they knew how to smash and grab! The rules were pretty simple, I stayed away from such politics because I was focused on the whole performance! It was like a show, a violent and male centred show! Causalities? No, the boxers were fine for the most part but that was fine for me to say from where I was sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the boxing, it was the perfect adrenaline pursuit to conclude my time spent in Chiang Mai. Done, C!
I was in need of some serious sustenance after seeing the Muay Thai boxing, I needed to find something quick! I had clocked a street food set-up and it didn't look pretentious nor flooded with Farang! Getting one final bev, I called at the nearest '7 Eleven' stores for an ice cold can of LEO. I found a fresh plate, I chose to try the prawn fried rice. I loved the uncomplicated vibe along that street food situation suited me fine, it added the fullness that I needed to feel. My travel plans would see me fly down to Krabi. Every bite of that fried rice dish was good enough for me, of course it was delicious! I tend to stay away from street food for the most part because I don't if my stomach can cope with it, that 3 year break from Asia had turned me soft. Against all odds, I ensured that evening was calm and not boozy because I had consumed enough during that final Chiang Mai day! I felt at peace, I had done a lot, well the most during those packed three days! I needed some seaside vibes in my life before reality hunted me down! My oh, Mai!
The time was pressing on but it wasn't late, not late, late anyway! I paid my coins, finished my food and beer with intentions of a good nights sleep. Thankfully, the food didn't turn my stomach afterwards, I had been served a great plate and that I couldn't complain about! I knew that I needed to rest and that I did! Making my way back to my hostel in a car didn't cost me the earth, I had brought myself back from the brink, I had completed another fuller than full day! From elephants in the morning to an uncertain continuation afterwards, I found that there's always time for Thai tea! Going into another dimension was fun, I knew I had hit my limits within that realm of recreation. I was looking for another type of color to embrace, from embracing 'green' to the fullest, I was looking forward to seeing the ocean 'blue' in Krabi. Chiang Mai had seen the last of me, not fearing that fact of life, I knew that one time visit had been full bodied, with a final day to be proud of! Fresh out of the gallery, Chiang Mai was my peace. Bye!
Fight For This Love!
Desperately Seeking Adventure
