you two!!! I cannot tell you how touched (and teary!) I am reading this interview. Sam, your questions are so spot-on, and I loved the one about shifts in mindset or spirit in particular. Your writeup for the intro was also beautifully emotional, I could gush and gush about it. And Dana, even though I've come to know snippets of your story, reading them here felt wholly new. You are such a wise woman and a beautiful writer. amazing work, both of you.
I lived in Bangkok during my sojourn in Thailand, but I've often thought that if I ever returned to live in the Land of Smiles again I'd try Chiang Mai. In any case, I'm glad to know that quiet neighbourhoods still exist.
Yes, I did. I was there for 2 years around the turn of the century, just when mass rail transit was launched. It was a real turning point for the metropolis. I loved Bangkok. Sometimes I still think of moving back. The only reason I think of Chiang Mai instead is that I don't think you can ever go "back."
Agree that you can never really go “back”! And there’s nothing more heartbreaking than trying to and finding the place you loved just isn’t there anymore.
Compared to 20 years ago, Chiang Mai feels much more intense in certain ways. Of course, I feel this way about almost everywhere except the countryside! Chiang Mai still has its charm though, and I find it pretty easy to avoid the places that feel...less charming.
Thanks, Michael! I thought of you and Brent while Dana and I were prepping this piece—it’s been fun to see all your different perspectives on Thailand!
When I was pregnant with my third child, I got laid off of teaching for one year. I took a trip with my dad to Hong Kong and Thailand. I was 5 months along and felt huge among the people. We were walking at night in Bangkok when we passed a strip club. They were guys handing out flyers announcing the strip club. I had to laugh because being 5 months pregnant, I didn't really need to be at a strip club. Beautiful country. Wished I could have been further from the big city. But what a cool trip to take with just my dad.
I’m dying over the image of someone handing a strip club flyer to a pregnant woman 😂 but what a cool adventure! Getting to take a solo trip with one parent (or have any one-on-one time, really) is so special.
I loved the serendipity of Dana's 'journey.' It was beautiful. And finding Dr. Wang--seemed almost matter of fact by the time she located him. Just love that.
In my other life, I traveled to Chiang Mai at least once and sometimes twice each year for an international degree program we provided for our staff across Asia. What’s not to love about that lovely city?
I don’t know if it still is open, but there was a wicked fast go cart track owned by an American where our students would go to blow off steam and occasionally break an arm, an arm that probably sported a night market Rolex with “genuine Japanese movement.” I always enjoyed getting ripped off by an honest crook. I still do. Maybe I need to go back, buy another fake Rolex, sit on a curb and eat durian until I can eat no more.
you two!!! I cannot tell you how touched (and teary!) I am reading this interview. Sam, your questions are so spot-on, and I loved the one about shifts in mindset or spirit in particular. Your writeup for the intro was also beautifully emotional, I could gush and gush about it. And Dana, even though I've come to know snippets of your story, reading them here felt wholly new. You are such a wise woman and a beautiful writer. amazing work, both of you.
🥰🥰 you are SUCH a gem for introducing us!!
So many hearts to you, Erin! Now I'm teary... ❤️
I lived in Bangkok during my sojourn in Thailand, but I've often thought that if I ever returned to live in the Land of Smiles again I'd try Chiang Mai. In any case, I'm glad to know that quiet neighbourhoods still exist.
If I may ask--did you like Bangkok? Thailand is high up on my "to visit" list and I'm trying to gather as much intel as possible!
Yes, I did. I was there for 2 years around the turn of the century, just when mass rail transit was launched. It was a real turning point for the metropolis. I loved Bangkok. Sometimes I still think of moving back. The only reason I think of Chiang Mai instead is that I don't think you can ever go "back."
Agree that you can never really go “back”! And there’s nothing more heartbreaking than trying to and finding the place you loved just isn’t there anymore.
Compared to 20 years ago, Chiang Mai feels much more intense in certain ways. Of course, I feel this way about almost everywhere except the countryside! Chiang Mai still has its charm though, and I find it pretty easy to avoid the places that feel...less charming.
Great interview. Huge fans of Chiang Mai!
Thanks, Michael! I thought of you and Brent while Dana and I were prepping this piece—it’s been fun to see all your different perspectives on Thailand!
Thanks, Michael. And it truly is a special place.
Just read about the flooding, which I had not heard about.
Thankfully, the waters have gone back down in our area.
When I was pregnant with my third child, I got laid off of teaching for one year. I took a trip with my dad to Hong Kong and Thailand. I was 5 months along and felt huge among the people. We were walking at night in Bangkok when we passed a strip club. They were guys handing out flyers announcing the strip club. I had to laugh because being 5 months pregnant, I didn't really need to be at a strip club. Beautiful country. Wished I could have been further from the big city. But what a cool trip to take with just my dad.
I’m dying over the image of someone handing a strip club flyer to a pregnant woman 😂 but what a cool adventure! Getting to take a solo trip with one parent (or have any one-on-one time, really) is so special.
I did laugh to myself when they tried to hand me the flyer. And it was so cool going with just one parent. Thanks for the response.
I loved the serendipity of Dana's 'journey.' It was beautiful. And finding Dr. Wang--seemed almost matter of fact by the time she located him. Just love that.
The Dr. Wang story is so great! The universe gives us what we need. ❤️
Yes! It really did feel that way. Thank you, Jeanine. ❤️
You are very welcome Dana!!
In my other life, I traveled to Chiang Mai at least once and sometimes twice each year for an international degree program we provided for our staff across Asia. What’s not to love about that lovely city?
I don’t know if it still is open, but there was a wicked fast go cart track owned by an American where our students would go to blow off steam and occasionally break an arm, an arm that probably sported a night market Rolex with “genuine Japanese movement.” I always enjoyed getting ripped off by an honest crook. I still do. Maybe I need to go back, buy another fake Rolex, sit on a curb and eat durian until I can eat no more.
If you do go back, let me know and I’ll meet you at the go kart track—I love those things.
Especially in places without a massive lawsuit culture.
And the loser must pay for the durian.
you're on!
https://chiangmaicircuit.com/en/
Notice their nicely equipped and quietly reassuring first aid room.
Thank you so much for inviting me and asking such thoughtful questions, Sam! ❤️
And thank YOU for your heartfelt answers, Dana. This was my pleasure! ☺️