The heat is slightly unbearable for us right now averaging 39°C (or 100° F), thus our need for aircon vs ceiling fan in our guest house. We can stand being outside only for short periods of time before returning to our guest house for a cold shower and rest. Even the misting machines above bars and restaurants are ineffective as the mist evaporates before hitting us, or me, at least. (#shortpeopleproblems)
Neighborhood 7-11 locations have become our mecca for cold water and a few minutes of cool reprieve as we walk around hot Chiang Mai. I never thought I’d so ardently seek out 7-11 but that orange, red and green logo has become our beacon of hope, sirens drawing us in. Once those magical, automated doors slide open and that first cool gust of aircon hits us…it’s a heavenly sensation. Skin cools, body temperatures lower, crankiness wears away. We happily amble down each aisle admiring every product with painstaking care, prolonging our stay as much as possible. Nothing compares to 7-11 on a hot day.
But, not everyone feels the same way we do about 7-11. Our love affair is ill-timed as there has been a rash of cars crashing into 7-11 locations as part of a protest against CP All, the Thai conglomerate that owns 7-11 locations in Thailand. In fact a boycott of 7-11 started yesterday, May 7 and goes through May 11, the proponents of the boycott protesting CP All’s market monopoly and alleged pushing out of local mom and pop shops.
Chris and I are supporting the boycott – mainly to avoid any car crash acts of protest – but also, if there’s any truth in the accusations against CP All, well that’s a shame, because the local mom and pop shops, food stands and vendors are what make this city so cool. No aircon needed!