Friday, February 27, 2015

Thai B & B / 泰北民宿

回顧泰北的旅行,我很想念當地的民宿設計,對於像我這樣懶散的旅者,有舒適的休息空間是很重要的。我可能會因為很多因素再次拜訪泰北,美好的民宿絕對是其中之一。

When I look back on my trip to North Thailand, what stays in my mind is the lovely architectural designs of B & B. For a lazy traveler like me, a cozy place is definitely a plus. I might visit the region again for many reasons, one of which is for sure the wonderful B & B. 


清邁 / Chiangmai

1. Gord Chiangmai 








        民宿多位於小巷裡,而清邁的小巷風景值得速寫者流連。Gord Chiangmai是由好幾棟房子組合,所以要穿越室內外才能從接待台走到房間。Gord Chiangmai在古城的民宿一級戰區裡,房間寬敞,早餐好吃,wifi速度快;缺點是櫃檯有點小,浴室沒有乾濕分離。

     In Chiangmai, most B & B can be found in alleys and lanes, where I would like to linger for many interesting views. Gord Chiangmai is formed by several buildings, so we have to snake through the courtyard to go to our room. It is located in the part of the old town lined with lodging places. Our room is spacious, the breakfast is rather good, and I am very satisfied with the wifi connection. However, the front desk is small and there is not a separate shower stall in the bathroom. 



2. Green Tiger Vegetarian House








        Green Tiger價位稍微高一點,但是服務和房間品質超優。我們住的四樓有小吧台,早起的我就去看日出,房間陽台望出去的景色迷人。早餐吃得像王室一樣,白華離開綠虎之後念念不忘。

     Green Tiger is a little bit pricey, but the service and quality of the room is perfect. Our room is on the fourth floor; around the corner is an open bar where I go whenever I get up too early. I am fascinated with the views there. Green Tiger offers royal breakfast. It's the B & B that Bai Hua loves the most. 


3.  Charcoa








        常居走小家碧玉路線,有自己的餐廳和庭院,很有古典的設計感,早餐也很可口;房間不如前幾家寬敞,浴室有點老舊,打掃不是很乾淨。

     Charcoa is not large, but it has its own restaurant and courtyard. The design is rather classical, and the breakfast is delicious. However, the room is not big. The bathroom is kind of worn out, and the room should be better cleaned. 


清萊 Chiangrai

Happynest








        清萊的住宿比清邁便宜,我們選了位在大馬路上的快樂窩,是一家還蠻新穎的民宿,由年輕人經營,雖然是一整棟,但是空間設計很有趣,一樓到四樓的樓梯繞來繞去的,空間極為寬敞;樓上的wifi不是很靈光,早餐品質要加強,會聽到馬路上轟轟的車聲。

     The living costs in Chiangrai are lower than those in Chiangmai. We choose Happynest, which is a rather new B & B located at the roadside run by young people. The design of the space is very interesting. To go up to the top floor, we have to look for the stairs. The wifi connection on the upper floors is not fast; breakfast is mediocre; we are accompanied by the noises of cars all the time. 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Morning in Chiangmai / 清邁的早晨


收假上班的第一天,外頭滴滴答答下著雨,把曼谷的電台轉成BBC,不過心裡想的是清邁的早晨:六點半之後天才亮,但最棒的時刻是在天亮之前,整個城市沉浸在深藍色裡,可是又看得出屋頂的輪廓,天亮之後,那些輪廓變得線條清晰,我知道美好的一天又要開始了。

On the first day of going back to work, it rains outside. I also reluctantly switch the radio channel in Thai to BBC. However, my heart is packed with the images of the morning in Chiangmai. 

The sky doesn't lighten up until six thirty, but the best moment is before it. The whole city basks in the indigo hue, but the outlines of the roofs are sort of recognizable. Afterwards the morning light reveals the classical and beautiful shapes of the houses. Then I know, another wonderful day is there waiting for me. 

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Thai flora / 泰式花草




旅行出發前才學到的火焰木,泰北路上到處都是。

I happened to learn about African tulip trees before going on the trip. The tree can be found everywhere in North Thailand. 



一片又一片的欖仁樹構成清邁的市景。

Indian almond trees form the cityscape of Chiangmai. 



緬梔也很常見。

Temple trees are common too. 



不只是波羅蜜,好多樹木都果實累累。

Apart from jackfruit trees, many trees bear numerous fruits. 



清盛的柚木高直挺拔。

The teak trees in Chiang Saen are now protected from being sawed for making furniture. 


接著就是我不認識的奇珍異果,先列出來,也許有一天我就會找到答案。

The next section is devoted to plants that I don't know. Maybe I'll find the answers one day. 


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和一號同學在同棵樹上,可是感覺不是同一種植物。

No. 1 and No. 2 are found on the same tree, but I am not sure if they are not the same plant. 


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3號和4號同學長得有點像,可是葉片不一樣。

No. 3 and No. 4 look similar, but their leaves aren't the same. 


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這些植物看起來艷麗多產啊!

The plants look so colorful and productive!