Day 27: Versailles and some expensive Mexican food

 

posing in front of Versaille with the Daily Pilot

Today my mom and I took the RER C out to Versaille for a day of touring the opulent palace and gardens that go on forever–and we walked most of that forever! 

The last time I visited Versailles, which was in February (2004), I have to say, I was not that impressed. Thing is, big, fancy summer homes are not my thing–unless, I guess, I get to vacation in them…

This time, though, the fountains were on in the gardens and it was a pretty spectacular sight. I’m still not that into the inside of the palace, but my mom and I spent about three hours walking around the gardens, to the far corners, seeing Marie Antoinette’s area, which was actually quite beautiful. 

We did make sure to take our picture with the Daily Pilot (our local paper), in hopes that we might get it published, as they print photos of Daily Pilot readers from around the world. 

After a long day at Versaille we had our hearts set on a Mexican food place, La Perla, that I had seen recommended and that we had walked past a few days ago. Let’s just say, $50 later, it was the most expensive Mexican food we have ever had, and definitely not the best…

I know, I know, who goes for Mexican food in Paris anyway?! I guess I had gotten cocky after having great Mexican food at Miguel’s in  Chiang Mai  and at Boojum in Belfast.

Day 14: why did the farang cross the road?

 

no one stops for pedestrians in Chiang Mai, so it is a bit like human frogger

Q: Why did the farang (foreigner, Thai equivalent of gringo) cross the road? 
A: The farang never made it across, there was way too much traffic…

I spent my last day in Thailand cruising around Chiang Mai–and a good amount of time just waiting for the tiniest break in traffic, to cross the road. 

Chiang Mai has a moat around it, and my guest house is just on the other side of the moat, which is lined with roads on either side. 

I spent the day catching up on a bit of writing, had one last Thai meal (cost me about $2 for lunch and a mango shake) and then a Thai foot massage (cost about $3, with tip).

Tonight I fly to Cairo, where I will spend the next two days being hosted by the Evangelical Seminary in Cairo.

Day 13: Chiang Mai

 

sunset in chiang mai

About two years ago I interviewed a couple from St. Andrew’s Church, Brett and Shelly Faucett, for a newsletter article. They were about to be moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to do AIDS related work through the Presbyterian Church, USA.

When I realized that I’d have a day or two after the conference in Bangkok, I emailed Brett and Shelly to see if I could come visit them in Chiang Mai.

So, almost two years after our initial meeting, there they were at the Chiang Mai airport, with their two daughters Acacia and Ana, to pick me up and show me the sights.

We began with an iced coffee at the Wawee Coffee Shop, the local Starbucks (although there is also a Starbucks next door…I’m interested to know which came first). I have to say, I think I might be addicted!

They took my by the Mandala House to drop off my stuff,  and then we headed to pick up lunch. I’ve never had “Cow Soy” (I’m not sure how to spell it, but that’s how it sounds) before, but it is apparently a specialty of Northern Thailand. There are pickled veggies, a mix of crunchy and soft noodles, chicken, and a delicious savory but sour and a bit spicy sauce. Yum.

After lunch we went to get Thai massages—incredible! Then Shelly and I went to the Hope Home where she works with disabled children who are often shunned in Thai society. We played with the kids (adorable) and did some play therapy with music as well.

From there we went to the Sunday afternoon market—block after block after block of streets closed and everything you can imagine for sale.

To cap off the evening we stopped by Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant for some take out and went back to the house to eat surprisingly good Mexican food, considering we are half a world away.

What a fun day. I had a great time reconnecting with the Faucetts. If you’d like to see more of what they are doing here in Chiang Mai, you can read their blog or see their official PCUSA mission coworker website.