CHIANG MAI Day 10

THURSDAY 12th We were the last for breakfast which was not surprising.
This afternoon we returned to the Tailors to collect Keith’s shirts taking a tuk tuk rather than walk. The driver wanted 40 baht each but as usual Keith began his bargaining skills but as the driver stood his ground I suggested if it was 40 baht for one Keith should go on his own. Good idea but the driver then decided it was better to settle for 60. Jack, the tailor was out to lunch and so we thought it would be good to return to the small Thai place down the back street. They were pleased to see us and today the young lady had her 1 year old baby girl with her, such a sweet baby and so happy to wave to us and ‘give me five’.
We returned to the Tailors where Keith’s shirts were ready and fitted well. A delivery boy arrived with more jackets to add to the number of garments awaiting collection. Jack being the salesman he is suggested slacks for Keith and after thinking about it decided he would have a pair of cashmere ones. I resisted the temptation to have a dress made as I know how my weight fluctuates. Although I had cut down on visits to Temples we popped in to a couple as we set off to walk to ‘Bauk Hat Public Park’. It was a lot further than I thought but as it was new territory we didn’t feel it was too much of an effort. The park was very small but already lots of people were renting large bamboo mats to sit on the grass by the lake and feed the hundreds of pigeons and fish. At the back of the park one Westerner was feeding a cooked chicken to several cats and dogs which didn’t look like strays, especially the beautiful Labrador. Still if they’re getting fed regularly I guess they will look healthy.
We decided to try out the red song taos. These are small vehicles that are fitted out with side benches to carry passengers in the back with room for people to stand on the back holding on to the rail and if necessary can also carry people on top but it is usually large purchases that are placed there. Anyone can flag one of these song taos down, as they operate around the city in various colours, and ask the driver if he is going to your destination. If he says yes he tells you how much which is around 20 baht, if not you will have to find another. It is the driver who decides on his route so we had no problem when we flagged down an empty one to take us to the market area close to the footbridge. We made one stop to pick up a lady before he ended his journey at the market by the bridge. Good and surprisingly comfy so we will use them again as they are much cheaper than a tuk tuk.