uhhh ohhh

Buy a condo, PROBLEM SOLVED!!! If it's a lasting relationship leave for your GF upon your death. Then she can sell it and buy whatever she wants!!! Parents are OUT of the equation!!!

In 8 or 9 years I've had two letters, out of maybe a couple of dozen, that have gone missing. Both contained U.S. currency. COINCIDENCE?

Sharktooth, your comments about Rimping are disturbing. One reason I always shop there is because I expect a higher degree of cleanliness but I am aware that the culture here is not up to most of the western world standards, such as HACCP, regarding food safety. It would not take much effort to train food/meat servers at Rimping to wash hands and don gloves when preparing food for customers. I've seen servers behind the meat counters wearing gloves most of the time. Maybe I have to pay closer attention. I haven't had any health problems so far but I don't eat in street stalls and I have had Hep shots in the past. Maybe that helps a little. Thanks for the post!

Shangri-la

1x guest entry - B300

membership:

1mo - 3000

3mo - 20,000 (interesting rate jumps so high from 1mo)

6mo - ?

12mo - 29,000

Anyone confirm these rates?

Shangri-la rates have to be wrong. Why would anyone pay 20,000 up front for a three month membership, instead of paying 3000 per month for three months?

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20,000 is for 6 months......3 months is 11,000

I think Duangtawan has a 15% discount for today only. Rattilanna rates are 3500 monthly, 6000 for 3 mos, 9000 6 mos and 15000 yearly. Yes, the workout area is a little darker as someone mentioned but nice salt water pool and also includes sauna and wifi.

Zachary's is the topped pie.....I think Blondie's and La CoCo's are both better, and do slices.

Here is Zachary's zachary.jpg

That's the Chicago style I ate! Zachary's in Oakland or Berkeley, years ago

One on College Ave. in Oakland, and one on Solano Ave. in North Berkeley, that is either newer, or I had forgotten about it. Blondie's claims to be busiest slice place in SF at their Powell Street location.

Going to California soon. Thanks for the tips.

Daam: If you get to the East Coast try Frank Pepe's in New Haven!

I think the pictures above say it all. Do you think it's a good educational system when the staff doesn't even know the inappropriateness of their Sports Day activity? By the way, this made World News....not just local newspapers. What do they do next....dress up as Pakistani Taliban fighters? Oh wait.......have they heard about that???

Wine box first. I needed some white wine for cooking last week and picked up a large, cheap box called Cedar Creek at Makro Hang Dong. As I was about to open it, I noticed that it confessed to being wine blended with fruit juice.............

Greenside: Your discovery regarding the wine being blended with fruit juice has become more common and also applies to a lot of reds. I don't know the whole story but it's my understanding that taxes drove up REAL wine prices and I "THINK" there are costs savings by blending real wine with fruit juice. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong. I've seen a couple of my favorite REAL wines disappear over the last year and higher prices on others. Not many good reasonably priced REAL wines remain, IMHO. But there are probably some wine/fruit juice blends that are palatable. I'll give the Cedar Creek a try. Thanks!

Do you think that bike may have been purposely placed there (by a Good Samaritan) to prevent those bikers who like to use the footpaths as their roadway to go the opposite of the street traffic? I love those bikers.....they keep my spry. Some days I get a lot of exercise dodging those sidewalk bikers!!! Thanks, sidewalk bikers!!! (Tongue firmly planted in cheek!)

Now that's a breakfast...Healthy? Probably not. Happy food? Yeah baby. Just have it with their orange juice to open the arteries back up a bit.

Not sure anyone is forcing you to eat those sausages. As I mentioned, choices are up to the individual. There's also the egg white McMuffin and oatmeal breakfast available in the states! Another thought is not too many people go into McDonalds to lose weight. The original menu stressed the burger, fries and milkshakes. Per my own weakness when I'm back in the states. I've never gone into a Taco Bell looking for a low-cal meal. Give me those double Chalupas or maybe that Mexican pizza!

I'm not hawking McDonalds but bought into it at 67 three or four years ago when I read they were going to get more aggressive in Asia with many more outlets and a McD's University in China.....also a 3+ percent dividend. It looks like the outlets have increased a lot. How many new McD's have opened in Chiang Mai in the last 4 years? I don't think their coffee is bad and their breakfast McMuffins and egg dishes are also okay. They've tried to expand their customer base with McCafe and tailoring some menu items to the Asian countries. I've also seen them trying to offer a healthier menu in the states with salads and wraps. Recent focus has been on the scandal in China and Russia closing some stores. There's always controversy about Big Macs and some of their other food as not being healthy but I ignore that because "INDIVIDUALS" make their own choices when they go into a restaurant....not just McDonalds! Overall I think their offering enough choices on the menu to eat a relatively healthy meal without throwing down 1500 calories on a Big Mac Meal! That said, do they have room for healthier foods like most other fast food restaurants? YES!!!

With all that said I think it might be a good time to trim some or all of McDonalds from my portfolio. Profits have declined slightly in the first two quarters and frankly, I don't see the news getting "healthier" in the next few quarters. Also, for the record, I haven't had anything from McDonalds in the last 6 months except a few coffee stops.

How about "TACO THAI, TING TONG TACO, ME LUB TACO'S LONG TIME or.......BUFFALO BURRITOS"........home of where the Buffalo really did die.......REALLY!!!

"Taco Thai" is awesome (there's a chain of fast food Mexican places on the west coast of the U.S. called Taco Time, ha).

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Is it TacoTime or ........."TACO THAI...Mmmmmmm"

Maybe we could do an Asian Franchise Extensin!!!

Sounds like you have things well in hand..it would be interesting to know what factors influence what months you elect to live in America and if that would change if your situation changes...

Dating a thai lady...would be itemized as family costs?

CB

Sadly for me my trips back have been dictated by emergencies. Mother in car accident....a trip back. Mother breaks her leg and ankle....a trip back. Mother now needs to move to a new nursing facility....a trip back. If I had my choice my trips away from Chiang Mai would be during the smokey season....February/March and probably the summer rainy months we have been experiencing. I hate not seeing the sun for so long. Those are just my personal choices that have never really worked out during the past six years. Hopefully I'll have more personal discretion in the coming years!

If the situation with my mother were to stabilize and I met a nice Thai woman I would prefer to be away from here during February/March and probably July/August/September. Some of that time would be back in America but also sometime would be traveling through Asia to see some countries I want to learn more about.....Cambodia, Vietnam and China. I also like Singapore but my time there would be somewhat curtailed by the expense of traveling there. It's not a cheap country to visit! At least for me!

Hi Wopanese,

I never heard of Taco Time and I spent 10 years on the west coast but left 25 years ago. Maybe after my time. I remember Del Taco and there was a more upscale chain called El Torito. I don't know if they still exist. Changing the subject a little I always liked In and Out Burger!!!

Where I live now, when I go back to the states, there are a lot of Taco Bells but when I want to step up there's a more upscale chain called Rocco's Tacos! Great overall Mexican food and GREAT Margaritas!!! There's nothing like a good margarita with good Mexican food!!!

Many different ideas here and most very good. With different situations for all of us, both financial and family/friends, it doesn't surprise me of the many varied responses.

I'm still overseeing an elderly parent so just remaining in Thailand is not an option. That said, I also enjoy many friends back in the states as well as food, lifestyle, medical facilities and numerous other things so I'll probably never be ready for a complete transition to Thailand. I also enjoy many friends, food and the lifestyle here so most of my time is in Chiang Mai.

But traveling back to the states, sometimes 3 or 4 months at a time, I became tired of paying for hotels or higher priced short term apartments so I bought an inexpensive condo in an adult community with low taxes and maintenance. I did put a pencil to it and I'd rather be building some equity back there as opposed to giving it to a landlord. In addition, being away, my utility bills are paid on-line and obviously very low when I'm not there. Also, and this is a personal thing of mine, but I don't like staying with friends or relatives more than a week. As Ben Franklin said...."GUESTS, LIKE FISH, BEGIN TO SMELL AFTER THREE DAYS."

I'm fortunate to be able to afford two residences at this point, although I only rent over here and probably will not buy, unless I meet someone here and want things to become possibly more permanent. Gee....does anyone think my expenses might go up with a female companion here? Lol. I do live modestly but well in each locale and enjoy to travel in both America and SE Asia when funds allow. There's a lot of things I haven't seen in both countries/areas that are on my "Bucket List."

Thanks for all of the interesting posts. I did get some ideas regarding mail and other issues that were helpful to me!

Like many of the other people who have posted in this thread, I also live near Maya Mall and I also wonder why there isn't even one single decent western restaurant in the complex. On the 3rd floor of Maya there seems to be an Iraqi restaurant under construction, but that's been going on for a while now with no visible signs of opening any time soon. Perhaps Maya is where the Mexican restaurant is going to open (that would be appropriate, wouldn't it?)? Will they have a Thai mariachi band strolling around serenading the diners? I've got a good name for the place, "Señor Somchai's". Anyone else have a creative name for a Mexican restaurant in Chiang Mai?

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I agree, I wish there was a Western restaurant at Maya. I think poor planning on the developers part with Nimmanhaman (sp) so close. I enjoy Thai/Asian food but wish a Dukes, Ragu or even a Mexican restaurant by their organization were there. Like northernjohn, I like Promenada Mall but I'm just not close to it. So I usually plan my trip there for my Western Food Fix. I'll often get there mid day and lunch at Dukes.....then see a movie and/or get a massage. Maybe take care of some bank business and definitely do some light shopping at Rimping. Then I'll either have an early dinner at Ragu or get one of their GREAT Western sandwiches to go! Baja Joe's will make it even better for a nice choice. As far as good names for a Mexican restaurant?

How about "TACO THAI, TING TONG TACO, ME LUB TACO'S LONG TIME or.......BUFFALO BURRITOS"........home of where the Buffalo really did die.......REALLY!!!

Hopefully this will be helpful to some and sorry for any redundancy. As other posts have mentioned the shuttle bus schedule went from 4 routes to 2 routes effective July 1st. Also, as previously posted, it's from the tourist areas on the east side of town. Maybe that will change again during "High Season?" I went to the Promenada Website for the schedule and didn't see a drop down box or schedule listed:

www.promenadachiangmai.com

BUT.......go to the website and plug in "SHUTTLE BUS SCHEDULE" in the search box. That will give you the routes and times.

Also, per other comments. I have grabbed a Red Bus from the street (Super Highway) outside of Maya for 100 Baht. That took some negotiating and the lowest price I've ever had. Most will say 150 to 200. I have also grabbed a Red Bus near KSK for 150. Again with some negotiating and if I'm not busy I might pass on a couple of Red Buses until the price is right.....there's plenty of Red Buses as everyone knows.

Also, if you have the time grab a Red Bus to one of the hotels listed on the schedule......20 baht. Shuttle bus back to the hotel and Red Bus back....20 baht. Again if you have some time 40 baht round trip beats 400 baht and can buy a decent lunch/dinner at Dukes or Ragu. I've also done the Tuk Tuk route and mostly pay 200 baht. To each their own schedule and certainly their own budget!

Finally, I think (?) the New Mexican place is called Baja Joes. But I also have my senior moments???

finisci di mangiare!!!!!!!

Yesterday, Ragu had a beautifully done Grand Opening! If you were fortunate enough to attend there were many menu items available for sampling including, but not limited to, sandwiches, pizza, pesto pasta, meatballs, sausage and peppers and numerous desserts along with samplings of wine, beer and Italian sodas! Most impressive and well done by the staff who strolled around with samples outside of the restaurant and inside to the tables! I've mostly enjoyed the sandwiches here which take me back to NYC's and Philadelphia's Submarines and hoagies......the bread is outstanding and the provolone is excellent! With the sampling I had yesterday, I'll be trying a lot of other dishes!

Thanks Ragu for all of the tasty treats!!! See you soon!!!

Anyone familiar with this place: http://www.galarethong.com/photo_gallery.html

A bit outside of the Moat, but they only charge 5 BHT per kw for electric and you have a nice selection of room types and pricing.

It's basically a semi-serviced apt/hotel.

This is more in line with the type of place I'm looking for.

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I lived there in 2011 and liked it. I think about 8000 Baht (studio)....nice room....decent TV and Internet. The only caveat was when the flood came. If the car had not been removed quickly it would have been underwater in the downstairs parking lot. Nice management and it did have a restaurant downstairs. I don't know about now?

I have been using Assist Thai VISA on Chiang Mai Land Road. I can't say enough about them. Easy, friendly and quick!

Ditto on the posts regarding the Hua Hin Vineyard. They are the closest thing to a Napa or Sonoma tour I've seen in Thailand and they have a nice little restaurant with wine samples/tastings in conjunction with some appropriate appetizers. A nice way to spend an afternoon. As one poster said, the wine industry is in it's infancy here in Thailand. I like Zinfandels and I haven't tasted anything that even comes close to the California's I'm use to, although the Wine Connection carries a "7 Deadly Zins" that's not bad and I believe Dukes carries a Gnarly Zin that's also good. I doubt anyone in Thailand has planted these and I'm also doubtful as to the end results due to Thailand's climate? I'm sure I won't be buying any "Old Vine" selections here anytime soon! Plus I'm sure most wine consumers here know they're probably paying 3 or 4 times more for some wines they buy back home! The 7 Deadly Zins price back home is about $12 compared to about $35-$40 (1200 Baht) here.

I know this may be a little off topic and I'm somewhat at a loss as to why but it seems that some of the more decent wines (to my taste) have disappeared in Chiang Mai over the last year. Maybe because of taxes? Now what I'm seeing in stores is a lot of wines, in particular box wines, that are mixed with fruit juice. You may note many won't say wine but "Bin Number" or just plain Red or White, still giving the impression that it's a true wine, ie, Cab, Merlot, Chardonnay. NO....many of them are blended with fruit juice! Why? Is it the taxes?

I use to buy a California called Boto Box....Cab or Merlot. About 1,300 to 1,400 Baht for a 3 liter box which broke out to about $10 or $12 USD per 750ml. Now it's unavailable. And forget wines with a normal alcohol content of 13.5% unless you're paying a premium price. Most are 12 to 12.5%. Maybe the absence of some decent wines at a decent price have curtailed wine buffets/tastings. Just a thought?

This is not exactly on point to your question regarding tones but GOOGLE........"tedx utube How to learn any language in six months." This is not an ad for a language program but some sound advice, via some credible research, regarding learning/improving your language skill. Take the 18 minutes to watch the video. Some very good points on improving language skills for anyone!