Amy’s Guide to Chiang Mai (dedicated to Janet)

It was a travelers worst nightmare.  After weeks of planning and anticipation, my two sisters were turned away at the airport in Newark due to a passport technicality.  How could this possibly happen?  I was so excited to have them visit me here in Thailand, my disappointment was nothing less than heart breaking.  In my mind, I had already walked them through the markets, taken them to my favorite restaurants, pointed out things I’d discovered, and rode with them in tuk tuks.  I could see their delighted faces.  I had already dazzled them with my knowledge of Thai and local culture!  All this and more they would report back to the family! But it was not meant to be.  Stunned and sad, I spent a day feeling extremely sorry for myself.  My sweet and considerate husband Jimmy suggested we get away for a few days…exploring the nearby town of Pai, three hours away by mini-van.  It ... read more