Chiang Mai, Thailand 
March 09, 2008 

Bye-Bye Chiang Mai


Like an angry toddler being dragged backwards by his legs, Dan dug his fingers into the Chiang Mai carpet, whining and begging and refusing to leave.

Chiang Mai is brilliant. In conversation, Kim accidentally refers to it as home. We miss it already. So many excellent people made our experience there so grand, and deserve our warmest thanks:

All the people in our neighborhood: the kids: Moo, Fern and Mic; Sawatdee-krup Guy, Thai Johnny Cash, Pad Thai Lady, Pork Noodle Soup guy, Gordo, Tarot Card Laundry Lady, TianZi Tea House Family, Ancient Coffee Lady, Angry Flower Guy and of course, Dragon Lady. Thank you for letting us into your sweet place. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us (except for Angry Flower Guy); thank you for showing us what its like to live in a neighborhood where people smile, wave and talk. We've made more friends in 3 months here than in 10 years in our neighborhoods in America—and we don't even speak the same language. Thanks especially to the generous staff of Studio 99: Matt and Tak, Aor and Poy (and JJ), Mi and Tik. Thanks for building us a home, taking us shopping, making our beds and guarding us while we slept. Oh, and baby Pinky too for being so cute!

Pong from Libernard Cafe, thank you for getting Dan hooked on caffeine. He's much more productive this way. Your beans are perfect. We so enjoyed your company and all your little presents!

Thanks to Jason and John for showing us that Americans can be smart and engaging and not religious zealots. Also, thanks for the jazz. Thanks to Mike and Sarah who reminded us that its fun to listen to loud music and drink heavily. Thanks for showing us the joy of listening to Thai bands rock their renditions of classic Guns 'N Roses and Lynrd Skynrd songs. One word: yes.

Here's a video of us riding home.



With love,
Dan&Kim





Comment:



petes posted on 2008-03-12 at 3:47 am

another warm piece. still nice to hear things. keep traveling, for ever.. peace from southern england xx
katerina posted on 2008-03-12 at 12:39 am

omg.......really? are you really coming home? i really really really am SO excited to see you guys!!! and at the same time, i really really want to keep checking danberly for more beautiful photos and tremendous stories...i'm so torn...maybe come home for a bit so we can all get kim-and-dan'd up and then you can go back for more travels.....what do you think about that? (but really, if you're coming back, i have some planning to do, so communicate!) love love love love love to you!~
Anna posted on 2008-03-11 at 9:45 am

Hey guys! I'm sorry for you that you had to leave such an interesting and unique place. I loved your comments. sounds like all the people, even Angry Flower Man, left quite an impression and opened your eyes to the pleasures (and idiosyncracies of people) in this world... please, have a safe trip home. your blog has really been inspiring me to travel, to do what I can (after school) to see the world outside, and do all I can when I get there, for them, for me, for good!! THANK YOU!!
Eric Braha posted on 2008-03-10 at 5:09 pm

Hi Dan & Kim! Thank you so much for keeping us blogged down with danberly.com. These last 2 blogs are wonderful, the Thai cooking class looks wonderful, and the bye-bye Chang-Mai was sad but lovely. So where are you going to now? Where are you today, 3/10/08? It's nice to think that we'll be seeing you in the flesh in less than a week! Mom and I wish you both a safe and sound journey home. Dad.
Mom posted on 2008-03-10 at 4:59 pm

What happened to paradise Island? I'm sure there is a good reason for not showing that next. Bye-Bye Chiang Mai we will miss you but we will always have the videos and the pictures. Next time you go back I'd like to go with you and meet all these cool people in person. Great pictures. Love the fisheye lens pics. Where too next? With hugs and kisses... xoxoxoxox


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