495480 Mon Mar 03 18:27:07 -0800 2008 4 48 Greater Asia 0 3456865 A friend and I plan to visit the CMTCS this April and are trying to decide between classes in town or at their rural destination. We understand that the school near the Jasmine Rice Village is about 30 minutes outside of town but it looks more "authentic". However, we're wondering if the Chiang Mai city option might be better in terms of air-conditioning (April should start to get pretty hot) and less travel time? Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated! Mon Mar 03 18:27:07 -0800 2008 171624 Deborah Hardy 1 3459126 The Jasmine Rice place is new, but from what I can tell, they have not changed the location of the cooking school, which is still at the Nabnian's home in a suburb of Chiang Mai. It is very authentic, in a modern sense-- a new gated McMansion community, about as awkward and strange as McMansion communities anywhere. It's an excellent facility for cooking classes -- lots of space. However, there's nothing rural about it. A friend who took classes in town and at the house thought the quality of instruction was better at the house, but the classes lasted longer in town because there was no need for transportation. If you're doing more than one day, you can switch back and forth. Tue Mar 04 11:33:34 -0800 2008 3456865 11397 mary shaposhnik 2 3459951 Many thanks for your comments. Do you know which markets they visit? If they are located in the city, then I think we'll do the first two of days at Jasmine Rice and then #3 & 4 (market days) and 5 in town. Tue Mar 04 14:49:05 -0800 2008 3459126 171624 Deborah Hardy 3 3461724 Can't remember. Some place near the moat, just a bit above Thapae gate. In classic mimicry, all the cooking schools go there, so you see all sorts of other tourists walking in groups with their baskets. I wouldn't stress too much about the "market visits" or for that matter the location -- it's really more recreation than education. But it's fun, so your plan makes sense. Wed Mar 05 07:35:33 -0800 2008 3459951 11397 mary shaposhnik 4 3466017 Great! Will go ahead and book this. Thanks again for your help!!! Thu Mar 06 10:01:41 -0800 2008 3461724 171624 Deborah Hardy