How Chiang Mai Melted My Heart

Cebu Pacific recently inaugurated a direct flight to Chiang Mai, a historical place with a hundred temples whose walls date back to the 13th century.

- VICKY VELOSO-BARRERA

At six in the morning in Chiang Mai, capital of the province of the same name, the air is cool and the city slowly stirs itself to life. Abroad, in the streets, like me are mynah birds flitting from tree to tree and orange-clad monks, the only other denizens that seem to be awake at this hour.

We have been sleeping late due to a packed schedule, but I am a creature of habit, up before sunrise. When in another country I love early morning walks to explore the roads and what these have to offer.

This morning, the road brings a 12-year-old monk my way, and did he melt my heart! Between 6 and 7 a.m., the Buddhist monks walk the streets to receive food from the Thais and to bestow prayers on them in return. I am unprepared and have no food to offer this child, but am told I can give him money, so I give him 50 baht. He removes the cap on his shaved head, which keeps the chill away, when I ask if we can have our photo taken.

My heart is moved by this young monk, who must rely on the kindness of strangers.

But this is Chiang Mai where strangers are kind. I cannot picture any of my children doing this, yet in Thailand, it is an honor and believed to bring their families good karma.

"He prayed for you," I am told. The monks chant their prayers, asking for you to have good health and other blessings. I, in turn, pray for them, that they would be blessed with happiness.

Cebu Pacific, the leading carrier that makes travel affordable for every Juan, recently inaugurated a direct flight to Chiang Mai, the Thai city located in the mountainous north. It is a historical place whose old walls date back to the 13th century, and has more than a hundred temples.

Chiang Mai has a small town vibe, but don't let this deceive you. The city and its environs have many sophisticated offerings such as upscale weekend markets, glittering malls and Michelin-starred restaurants.