Arcade Inn Chiang Mai — Kathy and my 1st hotel in Northern Thailand
Feb 14, 2002: "... / Social Order Crusade — Valentine's Day " reads the headline in today's Bangkok Post: "Popular teen hangouts will be under close watch tonight — to keep youngsters celebrating Valentine's Day from prematurely losing their virginity". If you saw my notes about the place I was staying in Bangkok, you may appreciate the absurdity of this. But, PM Taksin (who is not well thought of here) has this campaign to eliminate promiscuity in the Kingdom. Then maybe they'll work on corruption, graft, litter and finally the tendency of motorcycle drivers to use the sidewalks instead of the roads. Incidentally, the Minister of Worrying About the Use of Peoples' Naughty bits is thought to be one of the more honest people in the Thai government, and [as a consequence?] will likely be "eased out" of his Vice position into managing Education. If I had to venture a guess, the moneys behind Vice speak louder than those in Education, and while both "campaigns" could use an honest, hardworking guy, the city's vices would less like to see an honest man than would those involved in Education.
This headline followed one a couple of days ago that said basically "girls want romance on Valentine's day, boys want to get laid". There's a shock! Must have been a slow news day.
Of course that's in the City of Sin Bangkok; if I see any teenagers prematurely losing their virginity up here in CM, I'll be sure to scold them. Just doing my part. Naturally if they're in the midst of losing their virginity, they're unlikely to pay much attention to a finger-wagging farang. Nor would I.
Walked most of the way to the Arcade Bus station (about 4.5km) from school. This probably means nothing to you, but it's kind of nostalgic for Kathy and I because the first time we came to Chiang Mai, we ended up at a hotel (Arcade Inn) at the bus station because our reservation either hadn't been confirmed or had been lost, and it was a big holiday (Loy Krathong), all the hotels and guesthouses were full. I hope to go up to Pai this weekend, and wanted to find out the bus schedule (about every 3 hours), and whether advanced bookings are available and which buses have aircon (no, and none). That was the principal reason to head for the bus station (CM has two "major" bus stations). The fare? 60 baht one way. Buck and a half.
Arcade Inn Chiang Mai — Kathy and my 1st hotel in Northern Thailand
Took some roads I hadn't been on before, now I understand why (sewing machine stores, motorcycle wheels manufacturers...). The road between Arcade ("thanon kaew narawat") and the city looked familiar, although I think there are more gas stations on it then there used to be. Had to pay 30 baht (65c) to get back to the condo but I don't think that was too much of a rip off. I'd tried for 25 but the answer was swift and definitive — usually if they'll bargain they're a little less firm at the start.
Back in my condo, aircon on High, drank about a litre of water and that nagging "you're dehydrated, stupid" headache is coming to an end. A Valentine's Day card arrived in the Thai post today from CT (thanks Mom! great timing!) and I opened the one Kathy had given me before I left Westford. Swoon!
Bangkok Post 2/14/02