Fun and Beauty

The Northern Rose Developers Blog

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Be Cool in Thailand, Go North!

After the merit making for 10.000 Buddhist monks, the street of Nimmanhemin in Chiang Mai has been hosting two larger events.  The first one was NAP (Nimman Street Art and Promenade จัดงานที่นิมมานเหมิ) which took place between 5-9^th December on soi 1- the soi of design and contemporary art. Just as the name say, this was an opportunity for designers and artists to show their work. Closing the street for traffic turned soi 1 in to a "pedestrian paradise". 

 

Then to be in phase with the climate conference in Copenhagen, Think Green (10-13^th December) –  an initiative to promote the future of environmental friendly Lanna architecture, took place opposite Amari hotel. It seems that by focusing on the traditional Lanna type of house much can be won in terms of green housing. The event also put some focus on rediscovering bamboo- the plant of life.

 

However, Nimmanhemin is primarily a place to go people watching. December is the time when Thai people go north, it seems hugely important for some Bangkokians to show up at trendy places and coffeeshops (such as Wavee coffee) in winter clothes at this time of the year.

Text: ^PS & Photo: ^JF

Guide to Nimmanhemin - Street of Fashion and Trends Northern Thailand

 

6.09, Magical Lanna mornings - When 10.000 monks appeared in Chiang Mai

Saturday 28th November, at 6.09 in the morning, busload after busload with saffron colored monks are entering Nimmanhemin Rd in Chiang Mai.
 
According to the organisers 10.000 monks from different parts of Thailand, Burma and Laos are participating in this form of meritmaking, or Thambon. This is the term for merit making and function like a kind of religious bridge between the layman and the monks, who are the reservoirs of merit that the laymen morally can benefit from. Except from the benefit of meritmaking itself, money and food donations are also given for various benefitting purposes.

I have always been impressed by the large number of monks walking through Mae Hong Son or Luang Prabang in Laos at dawn.
This, event was however of an entirely different magnitude. The sidewalk full of people waiting to pay respect to the monks, many of them dressed in white holding the buddhist symbol of a lotus between their hands. The monks in their turn are taking pictures themselves and the event. They seem to be enjoying themselves while preparing their walk through Nimmanhemin.
 
This amazing event is a kick off for a lot of happenings that will take place in Nimmanhemin area and other areas in December.
December is the month when Nimmanhemin really comes alive with jazz afternoons and “walking streets”. There is also the Royal flower show in Ratchapreuk Gardens starting on the 1:st of December running all through the 10:th of December.

Thenorthernrose.asia will of course make an effort to envision these illustrious events. We warmly welcome you to join us in some of the most colorful events in Chiang mai.

Text and Photo: ^PS

 

Fish Spa Chiang Mai – A toe biting experience

Fish facts from Wikipedia

The Spa tradition is strong and vibrant in the Chiang Mai region. A recent addition to the Lanna cultural heritage is a new phenomenon "Fish Spa". I've heard of "Dog Spa's" and "Car Spa" but Fish? I didn't realize fish are in need of Spa treatment. Aren't they swimming around in a constant spa environment?

To my surprise I found that the Turkish Garra Rufa fishes provided a much needed service to tired and worn out feet belonging to the human species.

The fish eat partly from our dead skin, but to be quite honest it’s not enough. They get fed after closing time as well. If they are well taken care of these small toe suckers can live up to three years. This micro massage is a tingly experience, when the fish eat your toes and suck your heels. This is also just the beginning; coming soon is the big tank, 180 centimeter fish tank for the full micro body massage. I wonder how the more noble parts of the body will be handled? Dr Fish is certainly diligent and has been told to be able to relieve symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

I realized that the Fish Spa experience provide another important function, namely the old Swedish tradition "The liars bench". Here you got 30 minutes off to talk about all things important in the realm of heaven and earth.

Tip for Small Business Entrepreneurs:

Take your business colleague or customer along to listen to your new innovative ideas and business suggestions. They will have the time to think it over and reflect in a relaxed environment which it will make them more likely to approve of your genius ideas. How can anyone say no, while the fish is biting your toe?

From the river bassins of Turkey to local spas there, these fishes has made succes in Japans Hakone area, further to Hainan in China and now even Chiang Mai / Thailand.

 

The Fish Spa can be found outside Rim Ping supermarket close to Central Airport Plaza and also one at the night bazaar (Chang Klan Rd).

 

^JF

Early Travelers of Chiang Mai

In 1904 the great photographer and traveler J. Antonia made the journey to Chiang Mai. J. Antonia wrote one of the first guidebooks about Siam. This is how he describes the journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the pre-railway times. 

“Travel in the north of Siam depends greatly upon the season of the year, the amount of water in the rivers etc. There are various places of interest but the difficulties in reaching them are such as to practically preclude their being visited by the ordinary traveler or tourist unless business draws him thither“.  

“When it is explained that a trip to Chiengmai takes as a journey to Europe, and costs even more, it will readily be seen that something more than a desire to view the jungle is necessary to attract the average sight-seer. Fevers, too, are not unknown; there are perils to be encountered in the swirling rapids of the river, which number about 30, and in some places even there are impassable, and tedious portages have to be made. Boat travel to the far north may cost a single individual anything from 15 to 20 ticals per day, whilst a journey on elephant will come to as much or more”.

The railway to Chiang Mai was completed in 1917.

^PS