The Great Escape Begins
13 November 2025
There’s nothing like a 5:00 am alarm on departure day. One moment you’re asleep, the next you’re wide awake, buzzing with that familiar cocktail of excitement and “did we actually pack everything?” panic. The house got its annual pre‑Thailand send‑off: cleaning done, pest control sorted, taps turned off, and sandwiches engineered from whatever the fridge offered. A true bon voyage feast.
By 9:30 am we were ready to roll, right on cue for our traditional airport pickup by Dwayne — chauffeur, mate, and unofficial patron saint of our Thailand trips. At this point, the routine is so well‑oiled we could probably do it blindfolded, but this year felt especially smooth.
We reached Terminal 1 at 12:15 pm, waved goodbye to Dwayne, and breezed through automated check‑in like seasoned pros. At 4:15 pm, MH124 lifted off, and just like that, the adventure began.
From the window, we spotted our little house in Jurien Bay shrinking into a dot, followed by Dirk Hartog Island — the last slice of Australia before the ocean took over. Mid‑flight, the crew surprised Steve with a birthday mousse smuggled from business class, which instantly elevated him to “smug birthday king” status.
We landed in Kuala Lumpur right on time at 10:00 pm. A quick zip on the new train took us to Terminal Gate C, and by 10:30 we were checked into the Sama Sama hotel. After a long day of travel, collapsing into that perfectly firm‑yet‑soft bed felt like bliss.
Tomorrow, Thailand calls — sunshine, street food, and three months of adventure waiting on the other side.
14 November 2025 – Day 1 — Back in the Land of Smiles
There’s something magical about waking up in a hotel bed that manages to be both firm and soft at the same time. Sama Sama has perfected that sweet spot, and after yesterday’s marathon of airports, flights, and birthday mousse surprises, we woke feeling human again.
By 9:00 am we were at the gate, smugly early for our 9:45 am flight to Chiang Mai. Naturally, the plane had other ideas and didn’t take off until closer to 10:00, but with the KL haze swirling outside the windows, it all felt very cinematic — like the opening scene of a travel documentary we didn’t know we were starring in.
Breakfast came in the form of nasi goreng chicken with a fiery kick that could wake the dead. Airline food isn’t supposed to be this good, but we weren’t about to complain.
Just before midday, Thailand appeared beneath us. Customs — usually a test of patience and inner strength — turned into a personal best. Only one person ahead of us, and within a minute my passport was scanned, stamped, and I was officially back in the Land of Smiles. Woohoo.
Bags took their sweet time, but eventually we were reunited and met Golf, our Airbnb host. Warm, friendly, and full of local knowledge, he showed us around the condo before we headed out for a wander to soak up that familiar Chiang Mai energy.
Then came the first mission of the trip: step one of the Thai driver’s licence process. A quick walk to Chiang Mai Klaimor Hospital, a blood pressure and heart check, 220 baht paid, and five minutes later I had my medical certificate in hand. No queues, no fuss — Thailand efficiency at its finest.
By late afternoon, the pull of Kadmanee Market was irresistible. At 5:30 pm, the first Chang beer of the trip was cracked open — cold, crisp, and perfect. Our waitress Jan (Thai for “Monday”) kept us entertained while we tucked into fried rice chicken and pad krapow moo with a fried egg.
The evening took a delightful turn when we met Jittima and David, who pointed out a local celebrity in the crowd: movie star and DJ Jukkabum. A few dares later, we had a photo with him. He turned out to be humble, kind, and completely obliging — a reminder that Thailand is full of surprises.
On the way home, we ducked into 7/11 for milk, where Steve stumbled upon a group of Thais tailgating with food and spirits. It felt like the whole city was celebrating our arrival.
Back at the condo, Golf sent over copies of our TM6 immigration forms, meaning we were all set for Monday’s residence certificate appointment.
We ended the day with tired feet, happy tummies, and that unmistakable buzz of being back in Thailand. If Day 1 is anything to go by, the next three months are going to be unforgettable.
15 November 2025 – Day 2 — Jelly Beans, Visa Fixes & Market Magic
The day began with a surprise: silence. For a condo sitting within sight of the airport, you’d expect a bit of jet‑engine drama, but no — the planes glide by like polite ghosts. It’s the kind of quiet that makes you sleep deeply and wake up feeling like you’ve respawned.
Of course, no trip is complete without a tiny hiccup. Alison’s visa stamp had been marked incorrectly on arrival, so we took a leisurely stroll back to the airport to sort it out. Immigration greeted us with smiles, apologies, and efficiency. Ten minutes later, the stamp was fixed and the crisis was downgraded to “barely a blip.”
Next stop: Budget Chiang Mai. The staff were wonderfully helpful, even doing some photocopying for the upcoming licence paperwork. With the admin gods satisfied, it was time for something far more important — Thai KFC. Two Zinger burgers later, we were grinning like kids at the Royal Show. Some traditions are sacred.
Back at the condo, we indulged in a blissful afternoon nap — the kind where you wake up not entirely sure what day it is. By 4:00 pm we were back in action, hopping into an inDrive to deliver an Australian care package (complete with jelly beans) to our friend Mack.
By 5:00 pm, the markets near Maya became our gathering spot. Steve, David (Mack), and I settled in, soaking up the atmosphere as the city shifted from afternoon bustle to evening glow. As the sun dipped, we migrated back to Kadmanee Market, returning to the same shop from the night before. Alison was welcomed like a long‑lost cousin — hugs, smiles, the whole works.
The reunion continued with Jittima and David, and soon the table was full of laughter and stories. Then, as if on cue, we bumped into Jukkabum again — the movie star/DJ/local legend. His face lit up when we mentioned our love for Pua district, which just happens to be his hometown. Suddenly the world felt very small and very friendly.
The evening unfolded with jokes, tales, and even a little showcase of Alison’s AI art, which drew curious smiles from the locals. By 10:30 pm we were happily exhausted and headed back to the condo. Sleep arrived instantly — the kind where your head hits the pillow and the next thing you know it’s morning.
Day 2 was a perfect blend of errands, reunions, and unexpected connections — proof that even the smallest tasks can turn into the happiest adventures.
16 November 2025 – Day 3 — Fog, Curries & Quiet Joy
The universe has a sense of humour. After a night where Steve and David Mack celebrated Steve’s birthday in proper style, it was Alison — the responsible, sober one — who woke up feeling worse for wear. Travel karma works in mysterious ways.
Outside, Chiang Mai was wrapped in a soft blanket of fog, drifting lazily across the horizon as the sun rose. It gave the whole city a dreamy, cinematic glow — like someone had turned down the contrast and added a filter called “Peaceful Morning.”
By 9:00 am we were off to Jing Jai Markets via inDrive. The place was buzzing: stalls bursting with colour, fresh produce stacked high, and the scent of herbs and flowers drifting through the air. From there we wandered to the flower markets, where orchids, marigolds, and roses turned the morning into a kaleidoscope.
Eventually our feet led us to Lotus’s for an early lunch. Today’s choice: Panang curry. Rich, fragrant, creamy, and just spicy enough to make you pause mid‑bite and say “Mmmm.” It was one of those meals that feels like a warm hug.
By noon we were back at the condo for a well‑earned afternoon rest. Sometimes the best part of travelling is giving yourself permission to slow down and let the day drift by.
As evening rolled in, we opted for takeaway Thai food and a quiet night in. Tonight’s star was red curry, another “Mmmm” moment. From the balcony, we watched a sunset painted in deep reds, glowing across the sky as planes glided silently in the distance.
It was a simple day, but a joyful one — foggy mornings, market wanderings, curry delights, and a fiery red sunset to close it all. A gentle reminder that not every adventure needs fireworks. Sometimes the quiet ones are the sweetest.
17 November 2025 – Day 4 — Paperwork, Pad Thai & Always Having Fun
The day began at 4:00 am with that unmistakable early‑morning travel buzz — the kind that makes you feel productive even before sunrise. By 8:00 am we were at immigration, ready to lodge the application for my residency certificate. But travel loves a plot twist: my TM6 form was wrong.
No panic required. Directly across the road was a lovely agent who greeted us with smiles, updated photos, and the calm confidence of someone who fixes this sort of thing before breakfast. “Come back tomorrow at 2:00 pm,” she said, and just like that, what could’ve been a headache became a ten‑minute detour.
With paperwork sorted (for now), we walked home and then set off toward Suthep Rd to revisit one of our old accommodation spots. Along the way, we ducked into the golf club for a coffee and a vanilla milk — simple pleasures that somehow taste better when you’re wandering without a plan.
Next stop: a visit to my hairdresser, Charunee. She welcomed me with hugs and smiles, the kind that make you feel like you’re visiting family rather than a salon. Turning 70 in December, she radiates warmth and wisdom, and after a wash and blow‑dry, I left feeling lighter and brighter.
Lunch was at our favourite pad Thai restaurant, where the owner maintained his signature grumpy expression — a comforting constant — while his wife welcomed us back with genuine warmth. The pad Thai was as delicious as ever. Some things never change, and thank goodness for that.
After lunch, we wandered over to Wat Suan Dok to admire its rejuvenation. The temple gleamed with fresh life, a beautiful blend of tradition and renewal that Chiang Mai does so well.
By 1:00 pm we were back at the condo for a restful afternoon, the kind that resets your whole system.
Later, at 5:00 pm, we took a leisurely walk through the local backstreets, soaking in the everyday rhythm of neighbourhood life — scooters humming, families chatting, the soft glow of early evening settling in.
At 6:00 pm, we met up with our Airbnb host for dinner at Kadmanee Market. Our chosen café, perfectly named Always Having Fun, lived up to its promise. Good food, easy laughter, and that relaxed Chiang Mai atmosphere that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
The day closed with full tummies, happy hearts, and the simple joy of reconnecting with familiar places and friendly faces.
18 November 2025 – Day 5 — Licence to Thrill
The rain had been tapping out its own lullaby all night, so by morning the sky was wearing fifty shades of grey — not the dramatic kind, more the “bring an umbrella and maybe a backup” kind. Still, drizzle or not, nothing was stopping us. By 9:30 am we were striding toward BigC with purpose (and empty stomachs).
Lunch negotiations were short and decisive: KFC. Sometimes you just need crispy chicken to remind you that life is good. Fries vanished, Coke fizzed, and the world felt right again.
Back at the condo by noon, Alison switched into “administrative athlete” mode. Today was the big one: collect the Certificate of Residence, then race across town to the Land Transport Department before the 3:00 pm cutoff. It was the paperwork Olympics, and she was going for gold.
At 2:50 pm — with ten minutes to spare — the documents were logged. Cue dramatic soundtrack. By 3:35 pm she was in the queue for the all‑important licence photo. The final boss level. Months of prep, research, and patience had led to this moment. Hair in place. Smile ready. Nerves steady.
Then, at 4:15 pm, Steve arrived via inDrive just in time to witness the victory: Alison officially became the proud owner of a Thai driver’s licence. A moment worthy of confetti cannons, or at least a celebratory fist pump.
But the day wasn’t done. Next stop: the bank. Steve had long been a card‑carrying member of the Thai banking club, but now Alison joined the ranks. Quick, efficient, and surprisingly painless — the kind of errand that feels like a win.
With adrenaline still buzzing, we walked back to the condo, letting the fresh air wash off the day’s intensity. And then came the grand finale: a celebratory drink. Chang for Steve, Coke for Alison. A toast to a day that had everything — rain, chicken, paperwork, triumph, and fizz.
19 November 2025 – Day 6 — Rainy Rhythms & Banking Wins
Chiang Mai seems to have settled into a gentle routine of light rain and cool air, wrapping the city in a soft, misty calm. Rooftops glisten, streets shine, and scooters glide through puddles like they’re auditioning for a slow‑motion commercial. It’s the kind of weather that makes you exhale a little deeper.
With Alison’s brand‑new bank account officially up and running, today became a practical sort of adventure. We headed across to the shopping centre to reorganise our mobile phones so each of us had our own banking apps. Steve’s Bangkok Bank app needed a little re‑initialising, but the staff were wonderfully helpful — the kind of helpful that makes you want to adopt them.
While we were there, we updated our transaction book and tidied up a few other details. It was one of those quietly satisfying mornings where everything just… works. No drama, no queues, no missing paperwork. A rare and beautiful thing.
By midday, Dave Mack joined us for lunch, and pad Thai chicken was the unanimous choice. Simple, delicious, comforting — the perfect antidote to a rainy day.
The afternoon slowed to a gentle drift as Alison took a nap until about 4:00 pm. Rain tapping softly outside, cool air drifting through the room… it was the kind of nap that feels like a small luxury.
Dinner found us back at the major shopping centre, but instead of heading out for another bustling night, we decided to keep things quiet. After so many evenings of markets, meet‑ups, and mini‑adventures, a night in felt just right — a chance to recharge, reset, and enjoy the rhythm of simply being here.
Day 6 wasn’t about big moments or dramatic stories. It was about the gentle ones: rain‑soaked views, small victories, good food, and the comfort of slowing down. A reminder that even on long adventures, the quiet days matter too.
20 November 2025 – Day 7 — Markets, Murals & Curry Nights
The rain finally eased today, leaving the world smelling fresh and looking newly washed — perfect timing, because first order of business was laundry. There’s something deeply satisfying about starting a day with clean clothes when you’re travelling. It’s like hitting a little reset button.
By 9:30 am we were out the door and heading toward the markets near the Ping River. Flowers everywhere, stalls stacked with local goods, and a neat row of rickshaw drivers out front who looked like they’d been placed there specifically for tourists to photograph. Chiang Mai knows how to set a scene.
By 10:00 am we’d wandered into Mueang Mai Market, one of those proper wet markets where you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the heartbeat of the city. Veggies piled high, meat stalls buzzing, locals doing their everyday shopping. Hardly a tourist in sight — exactly the kind of place we love. It wasn’t too busy today, probably because we arrived a bit later, and honestly that made it even better.
Around 10:45 am we kept walking, aiming for Siri Wattana Market. On the way, we stumbled across a little canal lined with bright murals splashed across the walls — colourful, unexpected, and the sort of discovery that makes wandering on foot worth every step.
By lunchtime we’d reached Siri Wattana, found a café tucked at the back, and settled in for a simple but lovely meal. Nothing fancy, just good food and the comforting hum of market life around us.
After lunch, we grabbed an inDrive back to the condo for a breather. By 4:00 pm Alison was back in action, finally sorting out a rental car in Bangkok — a deceptively small task with a very big purpose. This wasn’t just about transport. This was about unlocking a long‑held dream: getting ourselves to a truck drag racing event. These races are notoriously hard to pin down in advance, so having wheels ready in Bangkok suddenly made the “one day we’ll do it” plan feel real.
Dinner was back at Kadmanee Market, because when something works, why mess with it? Penang curry and chicken fried rice hit the spot, and Steve washed it down with a Chang. By 8:00 pm we were home, winding down and getting ready for tomorrow’s flight to Bangkok.
Day 7 wrapped up Week One with everything we love about Chiang Mai — markets, murals, good food, small wins, and the quiet excitement of plans falling into place.