Early flight to Chiang Mai and then 30 min taxi to the Kaomai Lanna Resort, my home for the next two weeks. It's in a town called Sanpatong, which was once well-know for the tobacco industry in Northern Thailand. The resort is a really lovely place, a complex of old tobacco curing barns built in the 50s which are two stores brick buildings which have been repurposed into guest rooms. The restaurant and yoga center are outdoor pavilions. Fantastic light and air, but I am a bit worried about mosquitoes once the sun sets.

The program doesn't start until tomorrow afternoon, so it's pretty quiet here today. Met two other guests over lunch - one from Australia and the other, a Kripalu-trained teacher from Miami. We all had what may be the best pad thai that I have ever tasted, for a whopping $3!

Wandered the resort, there's 20-odd acres, but it feels pretty compact. The pool is nice, near the rooms, and just short of 25 meters. Did a half hour of laps before one of the most deliciously excruciating thai massages I have ever had, at the bargain price of $10 for 60 min... Which may become a daily habit. Note to self - hard pressure will probably result in bruises tomorrow. But really started to get the kinks out for residual work-stress knots and 24hours of airplane travel. I have another one booked for tomorrow at 11.

Was invited to venture to Chiang Mai tonight, but just don't have it in me. Think it's time for some more noodles and a good night sleep.