I have been wanting to pick up on blogging again but never thought it would finally happen under these circumstances. I am in an internet cafe right smack in the night market area of Changmai. There is a fire that is gutting out the hotel across the road! The hotel where I have been staying for the last 5 days is just behind it, separated by a small inner road from the block where the fire is. Started a litte before midnight, so its been over hour going as I write this.
It was a relaxing Saturday. Unexpected break as we were able to finish off preparations for the training of trainers in just one day. I slept in, had late breakfast, and went back to bed! Wonderful. Most of the day was just relaxing in my hotel room, a nice one on the 16th floor with a fabulous wide view of Changmai city. Dragged myself out of the room at past 7pm to go down to the gym. I have been regularly working out at the hotel’s fitness center since I arrived Tuesday night. Even went to Yoga class on Wednesday and Friday. I loved it!
After the routine of cardio (treadmill), crunches, free weights, steam, shower — I headed for 2-hour thai massage at this nice spot I have discovered at the night market. It was great. Ended before midnight and started walking back to the hotel. Then the fire. It was pretty much underway as I passed in front of the Royal Princess Hotel. Walls lit up with red flames, black smoke rising. Just one fire truck at that stage. People just running out of the premises and night market stalls hurriedly packing up. I called Raul on the phone and decided to get my passport and computer from the hotel room and stay out here until the fire settles… which seems to be about now… I see streams of tourists making their way back to the building.
All right. So much for a relaxed Saturday. We work tomorrow, despite its being Sunday. Gotta go. Hope no one got hurt in that fire.
Keep safe everyone!
