Mai Pen Rai

The all important "mai pen rai" attitude means that you don't worry about things that don't matter. Some people take it to the extreme and pull a mai pen rai after they get in a motorbike accident that was someone else's fault and drive away without yelling at the person or even getting their information. Mai pen rai. You hear it all the time and it really makes the world a better place. It's also a way to say you're welcome, no problem, don't worry, my pleasure, etc. Pretty handy.

My mai pen rai moment of today:
I got a massage this morning at Wat Suan Dok, which is the best temple for a few reasons, three of which include Pun Pun restaurant, the best view of Doi Suthep, and the greatest (and most inexpensive) massage place in Chiang Mai. 100 Baht per hour is about $3. Go ahead, hate me for a few minutes, then say mai pen rai. You'll feel better. Anyway, I've been to the place quite a few times and I'm lucky enough to have the same masseuse. I think we made a connection on my first visit because ever since then it's like I walk in and there's an unspoken agreement that she's my gal. Our relationship is blossoming to the point where we don't need to talk during it, I like her style, she knows my needs, she doesn't have to tell me when to flip over, she doesn't kick me out right after and she gives me a cup of tea before hitting the road. Best relationship I've ever had.

I digress. Most Thai massages start at the feet, then move to the legs and arms, then back and neck and head. Some fancy places wash your feet before the massage; this and most other places in the price range do not. I'd been walking around in sandals so I don't know what condition my feet were in.

She massages my dirty feet with her hands. She says mai pen rai.

She massages my dirty feet with her hands and 45 minutes later massages my face with those same hands. I say mai pen rai.

It works out in the end.