Day 4 in Chiang Mai

Pancake with caramel banana and mango ice cream.The best pancake I ever had before. Arroy (delicious in thai)

Omelette with mushroom, bacon and grilled skinless tomatoes

Sunday night market is still very charming and so much to see and eat. Honestly, usually I don't really enjoy squeezing through the crowd from stall to stall but I still think it is really worth it. During this time of the year it is consider low season partly is because it rain quite a bit but I can't imagine how pack the Sunday night market will be when it is during the high season between November to Feburary.

I planned to have a good Thai massage after my workout in the gym, so I approached the gym instructors for some recommendation. I was kind of looking forward when they directed me to this authentic Thai Massage school-like building just 5 minutes from The Chedi. After waited for 10minutes in the massage room and well dressed the will comfortable traditional thai attire, a pretty young lady came to the room and started the massage. From the first thumb pressing on the sole of the feet. I am actually disappointed and hope at least she will do a decent session. Through out the 2 hours massage, I felt like she was just practicing with a menu and hesitate where is the exact point to press at times. Anyway, you never try you never know. I will try other massage places today and hopefully I will be luckier this time.

Day 3 in Chiang Mai.

Oh gosh! Last night, it poured so heavily and once it stopped, the ritual from the nearby frogs and toads 'sang" much louder and longer than the previous night. I almost went onto the balcony and scream "Shut Up!" Obviously it was a horrible night and I have to blame the bed which is really too soft as if I am laying on a hammock between trees. Sorry chedi but to be fair, this morning I have another beautiful moment at the restaurant for my breakfast. I had this hot dish called Breakfast Bruschetta and French Toast with strawberry cream. Heavenly delicious!

What I really like about this resort is even though the occupancy is high ( based on my five gifted senses), the resort is neither crowded or noisy.

In Chiang mai, there are 2 famous night markets that are not to be missed. Saturday is at Wualia Market and Sunday night one is on Ratchadamnoen Road. Walking along these night markets is such a eye opening event as most of the vendors are the creators of those display items that they are selling and they are really very creative Not like most other night markets where usually you only get to see lots of imitations of t-shirt and watches. Tonight, I will be going to the Sunday night market.

Day 2 in Chiang Mai

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Shhh...'Do not disturb' sign

Housekeeping sign.

gym time!

I am sure there are always pro and con so I am going to be nice with my comments. Well, I usually preferred a firmer bed but too bad The Chedi in Chiang Mai bed is a little too soft for me. UNFORTUNATELY with the overflowing river beside the hotel and the wet weather here, there was a helluva good orchestra performance by premium frogs ' the drummer' or toad conductor in this community.

Ok, after a good workout in the well equipped gym this morning. I excitedly headed to the highlight of my trip; the morning breakfast @ Chedi. So blessed, I was offered a charming table just next to the river. Apart from a list of selection from the menu, there was a small spread of buffet that looks really inviting. I always love to start the day with a good breakfast with a splendid ambience, I can't ask anything more. Good morning Chiang Mai !

Chiang Mai! A beautiful place I still very much in love with.

I have been looking forward to this trip as past few weeks has been tough and exhausting. Though this is my 3rd time in Chiang Mai, I am still excited and I must admit mostly is because I will be staying at The Chedi. 5 months ago, I had my high tea here (not to be missed) and fell in love with it. Just so happened two months later, I came across this superb promotion at The Chedi in Chiang Mai, my jaw literally dropped when I noticed that for the deluxe room (with breakfast hor) is going $206. Without a single hesitation I booked it! This is my first time in GHM property and so far from check-in procedure to orientation, it was swift, detail and professional. I specifically requested high floor and was granted a pool view with a stunning Ping river beside. After going around taking pictures of the rooms and surrounding, I ended up having my high tea again hahahaha.. High light for tomorrow: BREAKFAST!

Men skin; keep it clean and simple

Some people are blessed with good skin but some are not that fortunate. But no matter how your skin condition is,  everyone must learn to take care of their own face.

Basic facial regime are Cleanse, Tone, Correct and Protect. So most people have a cleanser/scrub, toner, serum/mask and moisturer/sunblock. Now, I think for men if your skin has not much problem and just wish to maintain it, I will advise you to keep it simple, just cleanse and moisturise, at most a mineral mask to pamper yourself once a week (if there are no breakouts). Strangely, I notice that sometimes when there are more steps taken to nurture the skin, it get worse! The skin can be rather unstable no matter how or what you do to it. Thumb of the rule, is all about keeping it clean and balanced.

Note: If you are having breakout,

1.do not touch your face all the time with your dirty hands (bacteria will spread faster and further)

2. do not apply minerals mask as you are feeding the bacteria in the pimple areas

3. do not keep washing your face and thought that it will get better (this will unbalance the pH level)

4. do not self extract as it will cause spreading of pimple areas or worse cause permanent scarring.

5. do not apply hair gel especially if there are breakout on the forehead

6. do not drink alcohol or smoke

What I think you can do to achieve better improved skin condition;

1. Drink lots of water and eat lots of greens and fruits

2. Apply pimple cream regularly after cleansing your face

3. Get enough sleep and rest

4. Be calm (stress could be the source) and be very patient

Of course, if nothing works and it's getting worse. Make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Hope it helps!

Body scrub then Massage or the other way round?

Whenever I get a chance to have a massage, the next thing that comes to my mind is Body Scrub. I ever asked myself must it always done before massage as it seems like is usually the case. Well, Bali proves me wrong. In Bali, most of the time massage come first and end with body scrub or body wrap. Balinese body scrub uses warm and thick scrub paste (like mud) apply generously on the skin (this feel so good) and then cover with a thin layer of cloth to dry. Next, remove the cloth and massuer will start using their palms to rub and sweep vigorously to remove the dried paste from the skin. After a thorough rinse, the skin is so smooth and supple. Heavenly! One of the most important tip before your  massuer start "Please turn off the aircon" if not you will end up shivering like a cold turkey.

Ranadi Villa in Bali

Last week was sooooo superb, our friends from Taiwan visited us and we hopped over to Bali for a 3 nights stay in this less than 3 years old property called Ranadi Villa (Seminyak). Just 15 mins away from the beach by foot and 10 mins away to the JL Laksmana where all the famous restaurants and cafes located. There is 1 master bed room on the second floor with a huge jacuzzi bath tub, 2 smaller rooms on the first floor just 1 step away from the pool. It was so much fun. To me one of the highlight is having breakfast in the villa dining area where the sky is blue and sun is warm, mmmmm what a perfect holiday. Can't wait to have another holiday with you guys soon!