Doors to Food - Blogger

Would you drive an hour and a half for a cup of coffee? Yes. We did! My husband decided to take us to a surprise trip. Had no clue where we were going (he loves surprising). Halfway he told us that we were going to a place called The Giant. I had lots of things in mind what the place would look like…Giant sculptures? Giant snakes? Giant mountains?
Well, I did not expect it to be a giant tree with a coffee shop nestled in it. The Giant Chiang Mai is an extreme coffee shop wherein you must cross a suspension bridge to get your coffee. Two persons at a time and no shaking of the bridge. The view from the Giant café is the impressive rain forest and jungles of Northern Thailand. The calm chirping of the birds and buzzing insects make it such a magical experience. Coming from a big busy city, It felt like I was transported to another place and time.
We should have planned to stay the night as they offered accommodation at the base of the tree. With spectacular views of the mist filled Valley.

For many people, the first thing that comes into their mind when they think of Thailand is Bangkok...Phuket or Pattaya. Not known to many is a small town in Northern Thailand called Pai, known for the hot springs, waterfalls, elephant camps, and gorges that surround the area. It is a quaint little town known to backpackers and is mostly a hippie destination full of cheap guesthouses, handmade shops, restaurants, delightful coffee shops, and…Yes! Street food. The Pai walking street transforms into a charming night Market which is the heart of the town. Although there are many restaurants around, we chose a street food buffet during our 1km walk in the street. We tried new food, unique flavored teas, and local fruit that I have never heard of. The flavors were amazing. After which we enjoyed a few drinks and capped off our evening with a relaxing foot massage.
This is where I spotted this delightful entrance plus a few snapshots of Pai.

Riding around looking for a parking spot. Found one infront of a dainty little door. Discovered a hidden gem behind it. Amazing gardens and great coffee. What a find today🤗

My love of food goes back to my childhood. I remember happy times would be spent with family, relatives, friends, and neighbours. Mama, my Aunts, and Uncles would spend hours preparing the food with us children running around the kitchen asking for a taste. I remember all the fragrant aroma of the different dishes cooking in Mama’s kitchen with all the chatter, laughter, and catching up with family.
There would also be quiet times in Mama’s kitchen where I would observe her trying out a new recipe that she may have tasted from her many travels. I loved asking her stories of her adventures while she was making food most exciting part was tasting it. She opened a new level of curiosity in me as a child. I would imagine the places she has been with all the new flavors in my mouth, dreaming one day I could come travel with her and experiences places.
Food was something that always brought my family together. It always brings good thoughts and memories.
It has been more than two years since I have visited my family. There are times when I miss them more than usual that’s when I cook something that takes me home.
Down below is the photo of the feast we shared before leaving my hometown. So much food and many more merry memories.

I have always been drawn to doors. I imagine all the hardwork and craftsmanship poured into them at the time they were created. Doors are fascinating as they can tell stories and hide mysteries. Doors could take you to places you never imagined and never expected to visit. Some doors you shut for a while, some you close forever, some you leave ajar and some doors you open to find new beginnings. And it is these new beginnings that matter most. In my case, it symbolized the start of a series of changes that led to the new life that I have now... with my husband and our family. I am very lucky to have a lifetime partner who is not only gwapo (handsome) but also one of the kindest, and one of the most hard working people I know. He is truly the best husband and Dad. His passion is his family, work (he even works in his sleep), bikes, bikes and more bikes. As for me, I am a proud wife, a mum of two, stepmum of three, (I never knew I was capable of loving other kids as my own) and grandma of one.

We love to travel but since COVID we haven’t travelled since January 2020. However, the time has come VISA’s are arranged, flights and accommodations booked. We each packed a suitcase with hope in our hearts that this adventure will take us to beautiful places, meet different people and taste new food. Yes food! My husband and I, Well, the whole family love food and we love trying new food. And I always try to recreate my own version of it at home for family and friends. This is the start of my blog which I fondly call, "Doors to Food." Hope you'll stick around and enjoy these adventures with us!

This is the door that we left behind. As we close one door, another opens.😍