Dreaming of Chiang Mai.

July 29, 2023: It's a rainy evening here in Boston, and it feels like the perfect time to indulge in a little nostalgia. As I scroll through cherished photographs, memories of my dear mom and those enchanting storytelling sessions from my childhood come flooding back. I can still vividly recall how we huddled around those treasured classic photo albums she carefully organized chronologically. Each page held a glimpse into our family's history, and those images came alive with stories of joy, laughter, and sometimes even tears. It's incredible how those simple yet magical moments have left an indelible mark on my heart.

Inspired by the power of storytelling and the timeless charm of tangible memories, I've decided to embark on a new adventure: creating my own digital journal and photo album right here on this blog. Call me old-fashioned, but in this fast-paced era of digital media, reels, and shorts, I find solace in the written word. There's something beautifully personal and intimate about expressing oneself through writing, and I hope to share my cherished memories and experiences with the world through this heartfelt endeavor.

As I've been sorting through thousands of photos, trying to declutter and organize my digital mess, one photo stood out among the rest. It is a photo of my Certificate of Completion of a Thai Cooking Class. Ah, the memories of that Thailand! It takes me back to January 2020, when we ventured to the north of Thailand and found ourselves immersed in the ancient walls of Chiang Mai.

Let me tell you, the history of this city is nothing short of captivating. Chiang Mai, the second largest city in the country, was built over 800 years ago with astrological and religious principles in mind, meant to appease spirits and gods. It's a place where the past weaves seamlessly with the present. But let's save those stories for another time.

Our arrival in Chiang Mai was filled with excitement as we entered the city's ancient walls and felt the energy of this place seep into our souls. Our home during our stay was the U Chiang Mai, and it turned out to be a little piece of heaven tucked away in the mountainous region of northern Thailand.

The warmth of the hotel's staff greeted us, and they even surprised us with an upgrade to their Deluxe room. Thai hospitality truly knows no bounds, striking the perfect balance between genuine warmth and authenticity. There was one staff member, in particular, who made our stay exceptional. I wish I could recall her name, but her smile remains carved in my heart even now. She was our gracious host throughout our stay; her energy and warmth have never faded from my memory. (You'll see her down in a couple of photos soon).

That first night, we were so exhausted from our adventures in Bangkok that we decided to relax in our room; after all, it was a sanctuary that embraced us with its comfort and tranquility.

Chiang Mai left an indelible mark on us, even though our time there was short and our responsibilities back in the States demanded attention during our stay, especially at night, due to the time difference. However, the city's enchanting energy filled us with contentment and joy that still lingers, even as the heavy rain taps on my window as I write this.

Moved by our Thai nostalgia, Neil has decided to delight us tonight with some Thai food for supper – thank you, DoorDash, for making it possible, LOL. Maybe the photos of the cooking class we took back then sparked his taste buds. Our dear friend from the hotel recommended we take that class; it was a delightful experience. Thai cuisine has always been a favorite of ours, and having the privilege of tasting authentic dishes was indeed a blessing.

And so, as the rain continues to pour outside, I find myself transported back to Chiang Mai – a place that will forever hold a special place in my heart. The memories of our stay, the welcoming hospitality, and the divine Thai cuisine all come together to create a beautiful tapestry of experiences that have enriched our souls.

The cooking class was a one-on-one session with the hotel's chef, who guided us in preparing three dishes – Larb Gai, Tom Kha Gai, and Mango Sticky Rice. Oh, the flavors and presentation were simply divine.

Larb Gai, a spicy minced chicken salad, was a harmonious explosion of flavors. The tender minced chicken, seasoned with a blend of Thai spices like chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and toasted ground rice, offered a delightful crunch with each bite. Fresh herbs like mint, lemongrass, and shallots added their own touch to the medley of tastes.

And then there was Tom Kha Gai, the velvety Thai coconut chicken soup. I must say, this one's my ultimate favorite, and I'm so happy that it's relatively easy to find in the States. The combination of creamy coconut milk with lemongrass, galangal (which I initially mistook for ginger), and kaffir lime leaves gave the broth a subtle, citrusy kick. Tender slices of chicken, mushrooms, and fresh vegetables infused the dish with a touch of earthiness, while the Thai chilies added a gentle spice. This fragrant and comforting Tom Kha Gai brings a beautiful balance of sweet, sour, savory, and spicy notes.

Lastly, Mango Sticky Rice is a dessert where sweet mango, creamy coconut, and tender, sticky rice come together in a delightful dance of indulgence. It may seem simple, but making the perfect sticky rice is an art in itself. Soaking it for hours before cooking and steaming it with cheesecloth creates a luscious texture. Of course, we had some pre-soaked rice during the class to save us some time.

After an hour of culinary adventure, we were finally ready to savor our creations. The dishes looked magnificent, and I can still recall the crunchiness of the fresh herbs and the lingering aromas that filled the air. My mouth waters at the memory of those flavors even now.

In Thailand, sharing meals with others is a cherished social event deeply tied to their culture and family values. Though in our case, we had our separate plates, trust me, there was enough food to feed a small army. It reminded me of our time in Bangkok, where my dear friend Yok, whom I met during a work and travel experience in Baltimore in 2015, showed us the true importance of food for Thai people. Visiting Yok in her home country was one of the highlights of our Southeast Asia adventure, and I swear we gained a couple of extra pounds during those first days in Thailand's capital.

Well, I could go on and on, raving about our fantastic adventures in Thailand: The unforgettable visit to the Elephant Sanctuary, off-the-beaten-path temples, my first tattoo, and so much more. But our food just arrived. Tonight's menu consists of Thai Fried Rice (Neil's absolute favorite), Sweet Tea, and Mango Sticky Rice, my ultimate favorite dessert that I may have slightly overindulged during our time in Thailand.

Thank you, Chiang Mai, for the magic you vested upon us, even from thousands of miles away. You truly touched our souls, and your memories will forever hold a special place in our hearts.