I did not expect this day to end with me riding an e-scooter on the roads of Chiang Mai. I’ve been meaning to put myself in uncomfortable situations, but not this quickly. Of course, riding an e-scooter is hardly something to make the average person perspire with fear. I, on the other hand, am another matter.
We’d been having the beers of our life upon the rooftop of the Moat House, a bar overlooking a busy Chiang Mai high street. The others adore this city, and while they haven’t convinced me it’s as exciting as Bangkok – let alone superior – I’ve certainly been enjoying the laid back atmosphere and the way it caters to westerners. And I haven’t I enjoyed it so much as I enjoyed it tonight, with the Romans, my compatriots in Thailand, upon the rooftop of the Moat House.
My compatriots and I discussed many things that had sunk into the depths of memory, but which sprang forth as we became heated with the intoxication of many drinks. How we came to be friends, university days and other key moments in our history. We discussed things that are far too unseemly to put into words, and things that are far too boring. And we discussed things that allow you to learn new things about your mates despite knowing them for years – things which make you realize you are similar in obscure ways. But, between laughing at and recounting old memories, asking each other stupid questions and making vague plans for the future, we found the perfect delight with the shackles of our inhibitions resting loosely upon our ankles.
When we eventually left the Moat House, Caligula found us some e-scooters. I felt much trepidation, but with the shackles of inhibition broken, I wasn’t about to let that stop me.
I was taken aback by just how fast the thing could go, as if surprised it wasn’t just a child’s play thing. It felt a bit like flying, and I was quite astonished not to immediately go slap bang into a car or careering into the nearby river. It’s fortunate that the roads don’t seem to have any laws here, because if I was in London, I’d have probably broken about ten of them.
We came to a halt beside the street food stall which has become our go-to diner. And I was rewarded with a Thai Red curry which immediately knocked my earlier Pad Thai off the top of my list of best meals. It was about just as spicy as I can handle and bursting with flavour. Even better, it was a comely portion!
