Bye ChiangMai, and Thanks.

It’s time to move along. 3 nights in Chiangmai. We will head for Chiang Khong.

Indie K and jaywalker have decided to ride to Chiang Khong one day ahead of the rest. You know, just to break the monotony. The plan is for both of us to ride south together after Chiang Khong while the others will, most likely, head back to Chiang Mai.

My change of plan was brought about by the cancellation of a wedding that was supposed to happen on Dec. 8., in Chiangmai. That was inexplicably called off. It meant that I need not go back to Chiangmai after Chiang Khong. So, I decided to head south with Indie K instead.

Chiang Khong was the venue for the Kham Kong Run 2023, which saw participants from Thailand run across the Friendship Bridge No.4 that connects to Huay Xai, on Laos’ shore. It is an annual event. What interest us was the music festival that preceded the run on the night before. Given the Thais love of Music and the Art, and the high population of ‘farang’ residing in Thailand, there should be some good rock music. And we were not wrong. Songs from The Stones “Sticky Fingers” album, performed by a band of ‘farang’, were played to perfection. Everyone was having a good time. The venue of this concert was on the shore of the Mekong, on the Thai side. The omnipresent bazaar that accompanies any such events or festivals lined the street. We, too, had our food and drinks there, and a walkabout around the venue.

Dec.3- After 2 nights in Chiang Khong, it’s time we head south. We took some pictures at the totem-like monument on our way out of Chiang Khong. We rode at a leisurely place, relaxed and in no particular hurry, along the 1020. At about noon, we took a break at the Tarkang Coffee. Indie K and I will break from the group here and head for Uttaradit while Mr. GPS, KCK, Crack & FC point their machines toward Phayao, and then Chiangmai. In that hour at Tarkang Coffee, we chatted about the ride so far, solved half the world’s problems, and attempted to solve the other half, which is problems of our own making. Failing dismally at that, we decided to revisit this part when we meet again on the next ride.

We bade au revoir.

The ‘Riverside Resort’ at Uttaradit – Indie K and I stopped for a quick meal before our destination. We met a couple of bikers heading north. During this time, Indie K googled for a place to stay for the night. Found one which has fairly good review and decided to go for it. When we got there, we were shown the rooms, which were ok. All the rooms were at ground level. It was in a quiet location surrounded by foliage. Each unit has its own sheltered car porch, separated from each other by high walls. Very private. Once checked-in, I noticed mirrors on either side of the bed and against the headboard as well. Looking up, a huge ceiling mirror gaze upon the entire bed.

LOL. Unwittingly, we have checked ourselves into a short-time joint!

Beside the main door is a smaller door about 30x30cm, at about waist level. It allows for delivery of, eg., food & drinks from outside, without any contact with the occupant. It all clicked.  A room is booked and paid on-line. A confirmation is received with the room number confirmed. The amorous couple would drive in and parked at the porch.  Door is unlocked and key is in the room. Order Grab-Food if they wish. On-line payment. And after their activities, whether illicit or not, leave, without meeting anyone face to face. Unseen throughout.

Nice set-up!

However, all that matters to Indie K and I are clean sheets & towel, hot shower, safe parking for our bikes, and food & beverage within a reasonable distance. So, this worked out well for us. And cheap, too.

Hahahahahaha. Next, please.

Indie K with jaywalker, December ’23, Uttaradit.