After spending a couple of days in Bangkok, Thailand I realized it wasn't the place for me. To be completely honest I realized that about the second day but it took me a few more days to confirm!

Don't get me wrong, Bangkok is a great city, the temples are magnificent, the weekend market full of neat stuff to look at. But the crazy hectic party vibe just wasn't my thing. So after spending five days there I took a night train up north to Chaing Mai.

From the moment I boarded the train I knew I had made the right decision. The train car was full of backpackers and I stuck up a conversation right away with a British girl who now teaches English in Thailand and her Malaysian boyfriend. We've hung out many times since then and they are the closest friends I've made here.

While Chaing Mai is a big city also, the vibe is mellow and the backpackers friendly. Drinking and partying isn't a big deal here either which is a welcome change from Koasan Road in Bangkok where I was staying before.

I found out today that a friend from San Diego is coming with her boyfriend as part of their travels to China and Japan. At first they were going to be in Bangkok for a few days but after reading that I was up north and loving it here they changed their plans. I am so excited to see them! Its nice to meet people here but there is nothing like connecting with someone who knows your heart!

I will plan the few days they are spending with me. I am honored. Also, I feel like I know the town a bit now, I run into people I know walking down the street or sitting on a bench at a guest house. I can show them around with some confidence and that feels great!

The plan for today includes meeting some people for brunch and then exploring the Sunday Street Market. There happens to be a Reggae Festival here this weekend and I decided to go.