Chiangmai

Spent a weekend in Chiangmai playing golf with friends recently. This being my first time in the northern most city of Thailand, I was pleasantly surprised at how un-Thailand Chiangmai was. It is quite the opposite of Bangkok with no traffic jams, smog, dust and grime. The golf courses were the only similar features but it was sublime to escape the hot weather that KL and Bangkok had to offer. The winter months in the northern hemisphere meant that the weather was cool and comfortable. The streets were so spotless it was unbelievable we in Thailand. Even the street vendors were smiling from the heart! Certainly worth another visit exploring the outskirts and the highlands of the Myanmar border where the famous golden triangle sits. We'll be back.

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve has always been sacred and private for us. It is for me, a time to quietly celebrate with family and loved ones, preferably at home reflecting on the year passed and welcoming the new one with hope and enthusiasm. This year we spent it with the Orrs, who invited us over to their lovely house for a quiet home cooked dinner with just our families. And it was marvellous, the food, the wine and most of all the company. Jeff and Ling Orr with their two boys, Sean and Tim, are very special to us for the support they have given us, whatever the circumstance, throughout the twenty odd years that we've known Jeff. Cheers Jeff, Ling, Sean and Tim. Have a Happy New Year! P/S When we got home way past midnite, we discovered that Mid Valley, where we have a commanding view over, just threw the biggest fireworks display ever. But I figure we had a better time at the Orr's. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!