Chiang Rai,Thailand.

So far so good I came here to facilitate entry to nearby Laos and to organize a slow boat from Houi Xai down to Luang Prabang,mission  accomplished and as  long as I am at the last outpost of Thailand,Chiang Khong by 8am tomorrow for the ferry across the Mekong river hopefully all will be ship shape.

Chiang Rai is an interesting place,the administrative center of the province it is a real melting pot of the Golden triangle tribes and clans,the place is overflowing in diverse ethnicity the food,culture, dress and customs make for a fascinating experience.

Last night there was a "walking street",the local term for when a street is closed to traffic and it becomes a marketplace and entertainment area,stalls,hundreds of them selling all manner of items from the everyday to the exotic.Strange musical instruments played mostly by old men provide haunting melodies  as an accompaniment to the delightful smells of deep fried insects as well as the more conventional and tempting food available.A kaleidoscope of color from garish obscurely messaged T shirts to intricate woven handicrafts from the hills,and cheap plastic toys with flashing lights.

Later I made my way to the clocktower,where on Sunday nights at 7,8 and 9pm a burst of music following the chiming of the hour draws one attention to the changing colors of the edifice.

It is odd to contemplate that only a couple of weeks back I was a stones throw from here in Shan State Myanmar just over the mountain actually.In fact for many years a Shan warlord controlled the opium industry here.Not sure who is in charge now,I have seen plenty of characters of dubious morality around though.

Teacher and Pupil.

River Kok.

Musco's

At "walking street".

Delicacies.

The Clocktower.