Coffee, mountains and open roads: Reflections from Mae Kampong
Having a cappuccino at Thanthong Green Cafe, overlooking a flowing river
I spent the next two days chilling around Chiang Mai, riding and exploring with no purpose in mind. People have asked me which area I’m in but I have no idea and I don’t really care. I’m just happy to wander around wherever I am, stopping at places that catch my interest. And if I find nothing interesting, that’s okay too. The discovery is in the moment after all.
Today my meanderings took me towards an idyllic little village called Mae Kampong. Nestled among the verdant forests east of Chiang Mai and surrounded by lush greenery, it is a perfect escape for those living in the cities. It took me about less than an hour to ride up here from my hotel. The cool mountain breeze was a pleasant feeling, especially after riding for so many days in the warm climate of the south. I decided to randomly stop at one cafe that caught my fancy.
Taking a seat at a bench overlooking the river, I ordered my cappuccino. The river’s melody, a gentle rush of water tumbling over smooth stones, sang in my ears, harmonising with a rustle of leaves in the breeze. The occasional chirp of a bird weaves into its song, like nature’s quiet chorus. I sat sipping my coffee, the earthy aroma mingling with the cool air and the warmth of the cup grounding me into the present moment.
But for the music in the background, I felt like I’m transported into a distant place, far away from the restless noise of street cars, city lights and urban cacophony. It really was a much welcome change of pace after being on the roads for so many days. The sounds and sight of water are lulling me into a drowsy somnolence, my thoughts becoming scattered and lazy. The cool weather isn’t helping either. I could doze off here if I had a hammock, my nervous system sinking into an easeful rest. And then I thought to myself, that in today’s capitalistic world of struggling insomniacs, how precious it is to be able to feel this way. How many people would trade places with me for a moment’s respite?
I often wondered at the masochism of modern humans and why we voluntarily put ourselves through such stress. But before I start down another rabbit hole, I decided to indulge the calm state of my nervous system and leave the chasing for another day. After all, I’m only at Mae Kampong for one day.