Happy New Year everyone! Downtown Chiang Mai was nuts and packed with people. I'm shocked no one was injured/killed by fireworks, people were lighting em off right into the crowd. Me and Tim went out for a bit, and met up with Matt and Jordan around 11pm. We found a new restaurant that has some really good curry, so that was a bonus. We met some new friends and had some drinks for a while. Afterwards, I went to some clubs and got in around 4am. I didn't drink a ton, but had a good buzz the whole night so mission accomplished!

some of the crowds: lighting some lantern floaty things




I haven't played much poker and not sure when I will. I wouldn't say I've given up, but I just have a losing mentality and that's not a good time to play. There's been a lot of uproar over the changes on Stars, and I'm not really sure what I'll do. I will say the whole mass sit outs/cash outs is great for me, I end up HU or 3 handed vs some fish while no one else can get in b/c of the regtards sitting out. Thx guys!!! .

I've booked a few trips for January which should be exciting. Heading to Pai on Friday, which I hear is great. I almost went a couple months ago, but bailed so I could break even at poker . January 16th I'm heading down to Bangkok for the first time. Going to bus it and spend 3 days exploring the city a bit. 3 days is not that long for Bkk, but I'm sure I'll return there as it's the hub for most traveling in Thailand.

google image of Pai: i'll be staying just across the river i think


After Bangkok I still haven't worked out all the details. I'll be taking another bus to Phuket, but doubt I'll stay there. I'm likely taking a boat to Railay, but am also looking into other options. I definitely want to do a day trip to Phi Phi (where "The Beach" was filmed), and I've been doing a little reading on other islands. Going to spend about 3-4 days down there, and then I'll fly back to Chaing Mai from Phuket.

I expect a fairly low volume month for poker and I'm ok with that. I've had fun 4 tabling the last few days and I seem to be a lot more relaxed. I'm sure my 5-6hr 6-8 tabling days will come around again, but I don't want to force it. If there's one thing I've learned before and re-learned since coming here, it's that I shouldn't play for rake back. It just ends up consuming my life, and my winrate drops off the map.

So it looks like a fun month ahead, and I plan on being fairly active in February as well. I'll do my best to take lots of pics and provide good trip reports. cheers!