Inspirations from Chiang Mai - Stop-By's

I am in love with Chiang Mai, and will be posting lots about it.

These shots were taken at a quaint little streetside shop - just zinc roofing and some tree-trunk pillars. Initially we just wanted a takeaway Mango shake - but AK was drawn by the name "Cat Cafe".

And look at the view inside...teracotta fountains, vintage-looking teak furniture, vintage Thai movie posters, and lots and lost of plants - so simple, so rustic, so gorgeous. And even though we just ordered ONE drink for the two of us, they treated us better than many Malaysian outlets - sat us down, gave us two glasses of iced water.

I love how the Thais embrace their heritage - elephant figurines in houses and gardens, teak furniture, tropical plants. And their toiletries - jasmine, white champaka, lemongrass - all plants from the tropics. No need for wishy-washy porcelain ducks or pine trees, tea tree or vanilla. I'd like to emulate the Thais. And support them.

Another place we dropped by for another Mango shake - a stylish little hotel.

Look - a single fresh lotus flower centrepiece. So simple and elegant.

No need for roses or lilies. No garish dried rose-and-lavender flower arrangements.

Ginger flower, another tropical plant. I've since learnt that they are cousins to the heliconia or something, and am keen to have some in my garden.

Check out the cool carpet!

It's all the little details - birdcages, candleholders, the flowers before - that I love.

AK showing us what HE loves - the funky face-seat :)