And the journey begins...
We've just arrived at our first destination today--Chiang Rai. Currently putting up temporarily at a guesthouse called the Cabbages and Condoms Inn. The name's pretty funky but there's actually a really cool background behind the name. I think the people behind the company runs non-profit programs to help the rural Thais, such as awareness programs concerning STDs, and forest replanting schemes.
The next few days will mainly deal with logistical stuffs. We're going to move out of C&C tomorrow, because the room rates per night are pretty costly, and going to go guest-house hunting. Narlae mentioned that she also has planned a field trip to some village, to listen to some of the local music. Got to arrange an appointment with a professor at Chiang Rai Rajabhat Uni as well... not sure what to expect for that! Will also be visiting the university library the day after.
As with any trip to a new place, one must always took about the weather... no matter how banal :P It's been pretty cold, and none of us was expecting it to be so chilly! It's currently 18 degrees, and Noppy says it will only get colder--especially in the villages! Just having to endure the shower earlier was a harsh reminder of the wintry days in the UK. Sigh.
Got to start on the readings soon. Gonna hunt down a decent cafe, which whips up nice drinks and has free wi-fi. Doing work in this guesthouse is simply impossible!
