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midorilynn

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  1. We stayed in what we thought was Chiang Mai's city center (Le Meridien) from December 5. Checking out tomorrow. The hotel seems busy. Breakfast is crowded. But, the neighborhood? It's not lively here. Many outlets are closed, for rent, or deserted. Streets around the moat are relatively quiet. We went to the silver area, the orchid farms, the flower market, and smaller malls (e.g., Maya, The Wall, and others). Deserted. Merchants told us. Little to no business. Hoping things will pick up. The only lively place was Central Festivals. Crowded. Lines. My wife and I thought every one abandoned the local merchants and went to Central Festivals. Tourist attraction restaurants and shops were closed even though the tourist attractions were open. What did we do? Watched Netflix and ate. Le Meridien staff helped us feel at home away from home.
  2. Retired in Khon Kaen. Spending a week in Chiang Mai. Went to the night bazaars, local shopping areas, orchid farms, flower markets, silver jewelry district on Wualai, Big Malls. So many outlets are closed or deserted. Night bazaars, local stores, Wualai jewelry stores. Closed. Smaller malls were deserted. Many stores shut down. Orchid farms closed or deserted. Their cafe's and retail stores closed. Silver stores closed. Slim pickings. At first, wondered where the local people are. They still need to buy "things". Resigned ourselves to Central Festivals. Surprised. Packed with cars and people. Restaurants full. Lines to pay were long. That's where everyone is. The government is encouraging local folks (Thai and others) to travel in Thailand to boost the economy. Hotels are open. Already, visited the elephant farms, Doi Suthep, Big jewelry factories. Few new places to visit that were open. Flower market was mostly open. Merchants complained of little business. Few places to go unless you need to buy a car, car battery, new tires, botox, a new hip. If government wants folks to travel, travelers need places to visit. Local government needs to incent or help out the merchants. Or, perhaps. The new normal are the the megamalls. They have everything under a single roof. Place to eat. Place to get botox. Place buy jewelry, computers, clothes, mobile phones, top ups. Almost everything, but a car battery. Left out cars because there are Nissan, McLaren, Rolls dealers in the malls. The latter two in Bangkok. The new normal. Stilll TBD. Fortunately, we signed up for a wonderful extended stay deal at Le Meridien. Upgraded room. Beautiful views. Netfilx. 1/2 priced meals, massages. But, I feel
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