Min Gala Ba From Mae Sot (aka little Burma)

Somehow I ended up with a "mini-vaca" in Chiang Mai, and, of course, I had no reason to complain.  I spent my extra days in Chiang Mai filling up on all my favorite Northern Thai delicacies, visiting with old friends and indulging in some of the western opportunities that Chiang Mai has to offer.  Most importantly these include yoga classes (very much needed) and movies (the sub-par Wolverine).  After this lovely little blast from the past it was finally time to head South West towards Mae Sot.

Myself, Yee, plus two of her friends piled into a "salon car" to make the journey towards Mae Sot.   Besides the fact that I found myself in a car filled with Canadians, which led to a "Canada's greatest one hit wonders play list" it was a beautiful journey.  The route towards Mae Sot is quite beautiful, through rural Thailand and finally through the winding roads of the lush mountains that form the natural borders between Thailand and Burma.  

Mae Sot, while less than five hours from Chiang Mai, feels a world apart.   At least half the population is Burmese, a fact evident by just a few glances through the main market.  Longyi clad people abound, as do women in Muslim head garbs,  Women's faces dotted with the milky white makeup many Burmese seem to favor.  Stalls offer packets of Burmese tea and common Burmese treats, and most of the conversations overheard are in Burmese.   Besides a feast for the eyes, the market also offers a feast for every taste bud.   All of my favorite Burmese foods are available.  More notable however, is the meat choices.  Even more than Thais, Burmese waste NO parts of an animal, and everything from pig snout to ox-tails and everything in-between is available.   While I tend to be relatively "flexaterian" when it comes to food when traveling, I was certainly happy to have the vegetarian excuse for time being!

I started work today.  The office visit began with even more warm meetings from some more former students who seemed even happier to see me!   And of course I was happy to see them, and hear about updates in their lives, most notably one recent marriage!  I am excited to get started on this report, which I should probably get back to now.  More dispatches from the border to come.......