The ultimate in "sabaai," this dog was in the patio of a crowded juice shop

The landlords of my second apartment, Steve and Mamory.

My third and final Chiang Mai apartment, in the Chang Klang area.

This puppy is named "Watermelon," "Daaeng Moo"

On my walk to my private Thai lesson, I found this cat with a necktie

On another street walking home, a shop of seemingly total chaos with a guard dog

I call this place "Rat Corner," as it is pulsating with rats and giant cockroaches after dark.

Sabaai Sabaai! Animals and Street Life

December 26, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

"Sabaai” has so many meanings: well, comfortable, how are you? fine, and relaxed—for starters. Even though Chiang Mai is in the cooler north of Thailand, it is still tropical. While my Thai neighbors shiver in 67-degree evening “cold season” weather, and dress their dogs in cotton coats, I feel relief: it’s finally not so HOT!! In the midst of my nearly overwhelmingly intense Thai language studies, I certainly have not lost my joy in wandering the streets of Chiang Mai, and finding all sorts of visual treasures. Well, treasures in MY eyes!

I also moved twice, for a total of three separate locations in the center of Chiang Mai. Because I booked my Airbnb properties for only a month, the time after my booking was immediately snatched by another person—the “cold season,” November to January, is considered The Time To Visit Thailand.

I hope you get a little of Chiang Mai atmosphere from these photos!Read more