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~train time~ Friday, 19th January 2001
the train ~ moving through hilly landscape in long curves. in the distance, a range of mountains. no big towns here. thus, instead of farmland, forest. and tiny villages that carry exotic names: Mae Chang, Mae Mo, Pangpuan. slowly, i get some orientation. can remember the names of places. can draw a sketched map of Thailand in my mind, shaped like an elephant head: the vast North forming the head, Bangkok the lips, the string leading to Malaysia the trunk.
in this map, Chiang Mai, the place i am heading to, would be the eye. the train route towards the eye leads through a national park. bamboo, and various trees with huge leaves and coloured fruit. blossoms dense like mist. in between, pure green palm trees. in the middle of the park, a school class waiting. all dressed in the same uniform, they fill the compartment in excited blue moves. a shy school boys takes the seat next to mine. some minutes, he is asleep, his head resting on my shoulder then Chiang Mai. the final stop of the train. together with the others, i get out, follow their direction towards the centre. there, i look for a guesthouse. the first is full, but the second, Safe House Court, has a room: tidy and neat, second floor, with a little balcony. 350 baht per night. my little home for the next days. at the reception, i get handed their card. on the back, a little map, so i won't get lost in the maze of streets
later, downstairs,
in the café, i order some tea and some noodles. smiles~~ see
the travel pictures: Mae Chang
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