The Chiang Mai Spell

After visiting a place, have you ever seriously considered, or at least daydreamed, about moving there?

During the past 5 months, we've come across several places where we could see ourselves living, but nowhere is beckoning us more than Chiang Mai.  Yes, even with the tropical heat and mosquitos...

This place is popular amongst tourists but hasn't lost its authenticity.  It's very laid back. It has a small town feel where everyone-knows-everyone, yet no one is in your business.  It boasts a prestigious university so people are well-educated and has a significant intellectual and professional community.  With its artisanal history, there are plenty of creative artists taking their craft in silk weaving, textiles, umbrella-making, woodwork, etc. into the 21st century.  The best comparison of Chiang Mai in the States is the vibe and eccentricity of Austin, Texas.  Their slogan, "Keep Austin Weird" would befit Chiang Mai.  

So far, the most common phrase heard by fellow travelers is, "I don't want to leave Chiang Mai".

Likewise, we've been afflicted by the Chiang Mai spell. We could easily end up just staying here and forgetting about the rest of our trip.  We're only partially kidding.  Most of our conversation over the past few days semi-jokingly starts with, "When we live here, we could..."    But alas, we have a house and a dog to take care of so we need to get back to our former lives.

We may have responsibilities at home, but our spell will not be broken!  So long, Chiang Mai.  We shall meet again.