Chiang Mai Shoulder Power

Carrying baskets in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Carrying baskets in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

My 2009 travels in England found me in a snowy landscape, something I hoped to never again experience. I was thinking back to my winter trip of 2008, a little Thailand travel. Unlike England in January, Thailand is warm.

The above image is from Chiang Mai, in the north of Thailand. It is one of my favorite places. I did not like Bangkok, Thailand’s capital.  Nomadic Matt and I differ in our views of Bangkok: I think it a cesspool, he is a tad fond of Asia’s Sin City.

Chiang Mai though, is a quieter, laid-back sort of place. With jungle treks, temples, and a vibrant nightlife, the ancient city offers something for every visitor. Even with roads loaded with cars and scooters you can still find people hauling vegetables on their shoulders.

Next year I think I will spend my winter holiday in Asia. Yes, I liked England, but I’d rather look at ice in my glass than under my feet.

9 Comments Add yours

  1. Great shot.

    Expat Editor | Travelogues´s last blog post..How to survive 12 hours in Bangkok

  2. Robin says:

    I need a couple of baskets like that for hauling stuff around here.

    Great shot, Stevo.

    Robin´s last blog post..Love

  3. mike says:

    Great capture. I like the laid-back place and sometimes the big cities also.

    mike´s last blog post..New Jersey – trivia 1

  4. Hey nice shot, it is always interesting to see the juxtaposition of old vs. new. I’ve gathered a few of shots of these shoulder poll/basket things over the years. The Chinese call them bian dan but I dunno’ what the Thai word is. I have picked up a couple and put them on my shoulder, some can be amazingly heavy.

    I really hope to visit Thailand one day, then I can weigh in in Bangkok with you and Matt!

    Hope you’re not working too hard. I have to go back to school next week and I am NOT looking forward to it.

    Expatriate Games´s last blog post..A Hot Valentines Day

  5. HA! Please correct my typos!

    Expatriate Games´s last blog post..A Hot Valentines Day

  6. Stevo says:

    Robin: I’ll send you one. Ha!

    Mike: Thanks.

    EG: I really like old vs new. Being back at work sucks in a way, but I’m happy to be doing something reasonable productive. Stay frosty. The typos are gonzo.

  7. Shawn says:

    How is that little woman hauling that around?! Just looking makes my back hurt.

    Yes, I’m a little spoiled.

    Shawn´s last blog post..What About Speaking In Tongues?

  8. The size of those baskets is enormous. The woman must be strong enough to lift them

  9. hector says:

    that’s crazy!
    I have the same woman on a pic, this time from besides… a completely different image. Nice shot though, like many others in your site.

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