It’s a bit tricky pretending to be a writer at the moment, because those who are in charge of this gorgeous country are being very strict about what is, and what isn’t, allowed into print. But as luck would have it, while I was looking around for something relatively politically, religiously, majestically and socially innocuous to wax lyrical about my eyes settled on the erection opposite my apartment.

What appears to be a miniature Bengal tiger tries to take a lick of my ice cream crepe before catapulting, a streak of black and orange fur, over a fluffy white Persian lounging on a pillow and bouncing off the opposite wall.

Following last year’s success, TEDx is about to return to Chiang Mai this month. Through the highly credited international creativity and idea forum, TEDx, Chiang Mai’s theme this year will explore the concepts around “Creating Connections”. With over twenty Thai and International speakers and artists already signed up, this is one TEDx event not to miss.

The First World War, which broke out a hundred years ago, led to the downfall of empires and the redrawing of world maps. The horrors of trench warfare and the mechanised slaughter of millions haunt Europe still, as seen in the sombre remembrance services held across the continent last month.

For as long as I remember, Bhutan was on my bucket list. I didn’t know much about Druk Yul, or Land of the Dragon as the Bhutanese call it, but it beckoned. And like every Thai person (read woman), King Jigme’s exotically suave looks (he made Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed list this year, didn’tjaknow) did nothing to dim the draw I felt towards this reclusive Himalayan kingdom.

This British Thai couple have spent the past decade selflessly volunteering to help protect Thailand’s many endangered animals. There are talkers and there are doers in this world; Tom Potisit and his partner Eduardo Loigorri stand firm in the latter group. Having met the couple on the rare occasion at various cocktail parties and wine tastings in Chiang Mai over the years, I knew that Ed flew planes and Tom was a photographer. But since neither of them had ever mentioned any job in particular, I assumed that they were yet another well-to-do couple enjoying Chiang Mai’s leisurely lifestyle.

The Legend Resort and Spa in Chiang Rai is a fantastic getaway for those of us wanting to escape the city and pamper ourselves silly. The resort sits on a quiet stretch of Chiang Rai’s Kok River, offering tranquil views, so try to book a river-facing room if you can.