I left my home this morning for the 20ks drive into Chiang Mai and the haze turned from off-white to brown as I neared the city. No fires out in the country as far as I know but all the way into town I picked up more and more traffic. Cars, SUV's and pick-ups tailed back at every junction and traffic light, and stationary in the town center. I was about 3 hours going to different stores, shops, market and post office. As the morning wore on I was aware of the awful heat and pollution for a bike rider stuck out amongst the lanes of cars waiting for a green light. My eyes started to water, my head ached and I could taste the fumes in my mouth. I know the heat doesn't help but a day like today with no breeze, no rain, nothing to move the exhaust really brings home how much we are spoiling our lovely environment. And don't even get me started on the huge amount of household rubbish dumped along all the highways out near Doi Saket. Always loved being on a bike for the fresh air. Anyone else getting sick like this or am I just a wimp? Maybe its time to move farther out in the sticks.