Eaten by fish

Fish Spa, originally uploaded by Sheila's Flickr photos.

FRIDAY 30 JULY 2010

At breakfast I met an Italian lady called Leonora who lives in Rome and is travelling on her own. I wandered around the streets of old Chiang Mai and got lost again, so caught one of the red buses to Wat Phra Singh. To catch a red bus, you flag one down and say where you want to go. If he’s going in that direction, he’ll take you, if not he’ll say no. Mine seemed to go in the opposite direction, but still took me to the temple. The city’s most revered Buddha image is housed at Wat Phra Singh and the beautiful temples are in the Lanna style.

I thought I would test my bravery and try one of the ‘fish massages’ where small fish nibble at the dead skin. I didn’t think I would be able to stand it for very long as I am very ticklish on my feet, but after a couple of minutes it was quite a pleasant vibrating sensation and did 40 minutes.

I went back to Gap’s for a rest (getting lost again) before going to a Khantoke Dinner where there was traditional dancing – the Khantoke is the platter on which dishes are served. I was picked up from my hotel in an air conditioned car and taken to the Cultural Centre and was seated near a couple from Melbourne and another couple from Brisbane. After the meal there were several dances which were quite formal choreographed court dances. We were then taken to a large hut where there were several traditional dances performed by various hill tribes. Excellent value for 370 baht (about £7.50), including transport to and from the hotel.