The Best of Chiang Mai

I've wanted to get back to Chiang Mai ever since I visited with students for a school trip. A friend who moved there a couple of years ago and an awesome professional development workshop (Proficiency Models in the Foreign Language Classroom!) finally gave me the reason to return.

I flew out on Myanmar Air on a Friday evening.

You walk out on the runway to catch this plane!

My window seat.

Pretty dusky views... BUT that colorful haze is pollution. Yangon is one of the worst cities in SE Asia. :(

My friend, J (yes, of Laneway fame), picked me up at the airport and off we zoomed on her scooter. We enjoyed gluten free, vegan pasta and duty-free Spanish wine with her boyfriend, cat and three dogs and we set our plan for the weekend...

The Best Coffee: Ristr8tto - great selection of beans and beverages, artfully crafted. Coffee should be treated like art, in my opinion.

...with soy milk and water to stay hydrated. 

The Best Wrap: Food for Thought - Being gluten-free, I don't eat a lot of wraps, but Food for Thought makes their own and they are amazing!

Avocado wrap and sweet potato fries

Best Place to Wander: Downtown - While Chiang Mai may not be as pedestrian-friendly as parts of Europe, it is a much more walkable city than Yangon. Parts of downtown are closed from traffic, there are great night markets, plenty of massage parlors and loads of shops.

A temple near downtown

There are pedestrian paths along these canals for miles.

Best Saturday Night: Wine and art! We cleaned up our mess, promise Mom.

My kitten painting amidst the craftermath...

Best Boutique Hotel: Kate and Hasu - Located just outside of old town, this hotel is a find. It's modern, clean and great value. Staff are friendly and helpful and breakfast is included. There is also a roof deck with loungers and a pool! I stayed with J the first two nights, but needed to be nearer my conference on Monday and Tuesday so this was my home. 

My little room - probably the best bed I have slept on in Asia.

Pre-conference coffee poolside

Iced coffee, coconut milk yogurt and thai sticky rice dessert (made blue by natural dyes from the peaflower)

Best Place for a Conference: The Shangri-La! This is probably the best swanky hotel as well, but it has the price tag to match.

We attended the conference in style

Best Street Statue: These rats!

Best Yoga Studio: Namo is a little studio near old town. Classes are held on the second floor studio, there are plenty of props and knowledgeable teachers. 

Best All-Around Vegan Restaurant: While many places in Chiang Mai offer vegan options, Vegan Heaven boasts a 100% vegan menu with many tasty Thai, Asian and even a few Western options. I ate here twice, but didn't snap a picture.

Best Chocolate Cake: Amrita Garden has a lovely outdoor seating area, many delicious vegan and gf food options, including this decadent chocolate cake.

Best Comfort Foods: Butter is Better has many classic diner options. They cater to those with food challenges as well, but it is tricky if you are gluten-free and vegan, as many of their gluten-free options contain eggs and many of their vegan options rely on wheat.

Best Baked Goods AND Veggie Thai: Blue Diamond is another little oasis in Chiang Mai. It has a beautiful patio, gf and vegan muffins, cookies and cakes and amazing Thai food.

Best friend in Chiang Mai goes to this one. :)

Just Finished Reading:

A History of God by Karen Armstrong - This book delivers what the title promises. A fascinating and educational read.

Just Finished Making:

Vegan and gluten-free Mac-n-cheese! Whether you have food challenges or not, this is a healthy take on my childhood favorite.

LA Favorites

Skipping back in time a little and back to the states... I am not going to even try to write a comprehensive post about Los Angeles, California! What I will include here are a few favorite spots, especially those catering to the gluten free & vegan. I have been visiting LA for over ten years... I guess as long as my bestie has been living there. :) She is a great tour guide and takes good care of me.

Season Thai in downtown Burbank was our first dinner and it is an amazing option for Thai (and I think my opinion can hold a little weight - I live in SE Asia!). They can easily adjust menu options for vegan and/or gluten free.

If you are craving sushi, then I recommend Sushi Fuji. They have a great happy hour too!

My Christmas present from L - one of my favorite authors + coloring in one!

Pitfire Pizza has several locations throughout LA and has to-die-for gluten free crust and loads of scrumptious toppings. Sorry, no picture! We ate it up too fast. ;)

L models behind Lephet Thoke - a traditional Burmese salad made of fermented tea leaves.

Only the best for our New Year's Eve celebration!

The 2016-2017 transition happened here for us.

We take new year's resolutions very seriously. 

A must-try snack at The Federal is the sweet potato tater tots. Again that's sweet potato meets tater tot! Incredible! They are lightly drizzeled with maple syrup = pure perfection.

The famous tots

Another "always" stop on my LA tour is the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. I remember watching UCB when it aired on Comedy Central in my early college days... Always a fun night of laughing.

One of my favorite days was waking up early-ish, heading to a yoga flow class at Electric Soul and then crossing the street to Lemonade, for a huge variety of fresh, healthy lunch options. Not everything here is gluten free and vegan, but MANY options are and the cheerful staff will gladly direct you to the right dishes for your palate or diet. Don't forget to try one of their signature lemonade blends too!

Yoga Happy at Lemonade

I used to come to LA to warm up and escape the Seattle gray, but now my body is accustomed to living in a tropical climate... so what used to feel warm is now cold! Hot or cold weather aside, any time is a good time for ice cream! Salt and Straw offers a few vegan options (and most ice cream is gluten free already). 

Temperatures below 80? Brrrrr!!!

Just hanging out, catching up and playing with the kitties is also a major activity when I visit LA.

Sawyer fell in love with my suitcase.

Desmond contemplates.

We visited Hugo's Restaurant, a healthy take on all the feel-good diner favorites and I tasted rye bread for the first time since giving up gluten.

The LA family at Hugo's!

My "last meal" (for this trip!!!) was at our all-time favorite Sweet Chili (more Thai!) in West Hollywood. I hope to be back to visit these friendly faces, stop in to my favorite spots and find new ones soon!

Just finished eating:
Rice is such a lovely gluten free alternative. I had a few precious pine nuts from a package from Mom, some saffron from Granada and the other ingredients (or simple subs) for this Saffron Rice recipe.

I love that many southern Indian recipes are naturally vegan and gluten free. Gujarati Pudlas are just one example. And the best thing is that they are really simple to make! Chickpea flour is easy to find here and you can use whatever vegetables you like.

Just finished reading:
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez - Debbie tells her story of volunteering and then working to set up a beauty school in Afghanistan. Fascinating and inspiring true story which gives insight into a complex culture and complicated current situation.

The Bhagavad Gita (Gavin Flood translation) - I've picked up my yoga studies and my first course focuses on philosophy. Re-reading this classic has been my start. This translation is especially friendly and I can't wait to dig into the other books for the course and discuss with my teacher and classmates.

And I can't stop listening to:
Spoon - Hot Thoughts - I'm a long-time fan and the new album this month was like a birthday present. I think it's impossible for these guys to make a bad album. I like this one especially as I start my morning.

Conor Oberst - Salutations is another March release and Conor never disappoints. I can't wait to see him on tour this year. The interesting question is where will this be? ;) Stay tuned...

Hong Kong, Part 2

My school trip continues in this post, Hong Kong, Part 2. If you missed Part 1, then check it out before continuing here. :)

Day 6: This was our "travel" day. Disney is located on the outskirts of Hong Kong, so we rented a bus and visited two spots on the way. First up was a park and monastery. They were so beautiful and tranquil that it was hard to believe we were still in Hong Kong!

I love the contrast of the skyscrapers behind.

Next was 10,000 Buddha's Monastery. A short hike up this hill takes you past 10,000 buddhas, which is incredible enough on its own, but every single one is distinct! We also enjoyed a vegetarian lunch at the monastery's restaurant up top.

Backpack, sunglasses, steps... this reminds me of my Camino days!

The video below gives you a peek of what it's like. This spot is a must-visit when you go to Hong Kong!

Changing completely from the tranquil and introspective moods inspired by the temples, we once again boarded our bus, this time to arrive at our destination: The Disneyland Hotel.

Complete with hedge maze. Of course.

Here's where I slept, mamá!

Detail on my bed :)

After a little rest and a lot of squealing over the rooms (students and chaperones alike), we dolled up and headed to our character dinner. Our meal was interrupted by Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Duffy (a character unique to Hong Kong Disney) and photo-taking opportunities ensued.

Group shot with Duffy

Pluto gives great hugs!

After some playtime outside in the hedge maze, we encouraged the students to settle in and sleep for Disneyland the next day. Who says a chaperone's job is easy?!? ;)

Day 7: Here we go, the first full day at Disneyland! We began with a 3 hour class, led by a teacher from Disney's Youth Education Series. The class was interactive, included going on rides (!) and focused on respecting cultures, which is a key part of Hong Kong's story.

Main Street at Hong Kong Disney!

Wait, am I back in Arizona? No, this is scenery by the runaway train ride.

The Lion King Musical

Mystic Manor - haunted house experience.

After the class we had lunch, went on rides and explored the park, staying until the fireworks show signalled closing. Many of the students stated that it was the "perfect day."

Day 8: Day 2 at the happiest place on earth. Today was our big day to dig in at the park, for the students to complete their photo challenge and to just have fun!

My co-chaperone and roomie for the week shows off her breakfast!

R2D2 and me!

Chewbacca!

Day 9: Though it was our last day, it was still a big one. We had the entire day, as our flight didn't depart until late Saturday evening. We began with breakfast at Disney's Hollywood Hotel, which included more photo opps, this time with Chef Mickey.

Chaperones and Mickey!

Group shot!

We all frolicked in the grass and sun (the temps reminded me of San Diego ~ perfect!) and then walked back to our hotel along the waterfront path.

After a little more last minute packing and a brief rest in the rooms, it was time for our 10-course lunch, complete with charger plates.

And then onto Disney Dim Sum! In this interactive class we learned how to make two different characters. It was fun to see all of the students so engaged and how everyone's creations turned out slightly different. 

Working hard

I made Chicken Little!

What 40 travellers' luggage looks like...

We enjoyed our last day on the Disney properties, but as the light started to slant in that late afternoon way, it was time to board the bus one last time and return to the airport. All went smoothly and I jokingly told my students "hasta mañana" as we bid goodbye at the Yangon International Airport. It was too true... we had school the next day!

Time to head home!

Although we were all a little tired that first week back, the students seemed genuinely delighted with their experience and I count myself as very fortunate to be able to travel as part of my job. 

Til next time!

Just Finished Reading:
Whisky Tango Foxtrot by Kim Barker. I watched the film with family over the holidays and after reading a few articles about the journalist's work in reporting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, I was intrigued to know more. The movie and book are quite different, but I recommend both!

The Elephanta Suite by Paul Theroux. This book is really three short novelas in one cover, though the thread that binds all three stories together is that at some point the characters all stay in the Elephanta Suite, a hotel room in Bombay. A fascinating peak into India and a psychological journey through the characters' experiences there. I'm passing my copy onto a friend who is going to India during spring break, but if any of this sounds interesting to you, then I think you would like this one.