Not enough pockets

This town is fantastic; even less honkies here, more sports clothing shops, a huge Boots and the cheapest food yet (50 baht for two plates of food and a large Coke). Why then, does the Addidas shop on Chiang Rai’s high street consider 2490 Baht a good price for a basic running vest? That’s more than I’d pay even in Sweatshop. It’s a little disappointing. Either way, I’ll stick with my brown-stained Nike top from home then. Fifty quid out here is almost a month’s salary; who in this rural area can afford that!

I’m assuming there’s a lot of clothes factories here, judging by the frequency of shops selling fashionable and labelled items. If it wasn’t for the fact that my running shorts have such a tiny pocket (barely big enough for a credit card), and none of my tops are equally equipped, I’d be content. I like to carry more bits out here though, so I’ll keep searching until I find a shop that’s doing the knock-offs.
It’s a good idea to bring some universal cleaner with you; get back to basics and clean that top in the sink with it. Scrubbing away and rinsing, even a dripping shirt will take less than a few hours to dry in the sun. That’s what I’m doing, having run to the river and back.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23451680

From 27 Jan 2010

5pm and I’m starving. Around 500 calories (according to my Watch), was burned earlier and I need to fill my tank. Heading off down the road, it’s a 200 metre walk to the high street strip. And passing by my new friend, I simply can’t resist:

From 27 Jan 2010

The Night Bazaar here is much the same as Chiang Rai, although I’d say considerably better. There are the same wares for sale here, just far cheaper. It seems the more North you head in Thailand, the more laid back it is. I pick up a wrapped carton of selected fruit for 40 pence; there’s freshly prepared Dragon Fruit, Mango, Pear, Apple, Grapes and Watermelon. Talk about “5 a day”; why can’t Tesco do it this well? Speaking of which, they’re out here too and I shudder at the possibility that they may one day replace the street food vendor.

The central area in the bazaar has a stage at each end. We happened to be at the end with a performance. Judge for yourself the beauty of the performer.

From 27 Jan 2010