Chiang Mai , General info:
9/10

To those that have visited Chiang Mai, Thailand they love it and thousands of foreigners have made this their home in retirement. But yet many still have not heard of Chiang Mai which is Thailand\'s 2nd largest city at only 300k population (city but outlying areas).

Chiang Mai is located about 1 hr north of Bangkok by plane and is cooler, cleaner, less traffic, less pollution and lower priced than Bangkok or Pattaya or Puket.

Chiang Mai , Different stuff:
7/10

If you are not from these parts some of the fruits and food you will not be accustomed to and we suggest sampling as much as you can and only watch out for foods with hot peppers as you have to develop a tolerance for the types and amount of peppers to add.

Chiang Mai , Food:
10/10

One of the best things about Chiang Mai and Thailand are the foods and fruits most of which are grown locally including strawberries.

So many different types of fruits that after living here for several years I have still not tasted them all.

The food is delicious and cheap.

Chiang Mai , Hotels:
10/10

Ottawa , General info:
9/10

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages.

Ottawa , Different stuff:
9/10

Ottawa is great city to explore on foot. With pedestrian friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Infocentre, located directly opposite Parliament Hill on Wellington Street. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.

Ottawa , Don't miss:
7/10

The Ottawa Bluesfest, an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While ostensibly focused on blues, the festival has increasingly showcased mainstream pop and rock acts in recent years.

Ottawa , Food:
8/10

Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Ave. between Bronson Ave. and Preston St; Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street. Also try the tasty beaver tail, a doughy, deep-fried pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savory versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only place downtown to offer it is in the Byward Market on George St. There is a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail arguably stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon.

Ottawa , Hotels:
10/10

Within Ottawa and the National Capital Region, there is an abundance of hotels, offering a wide-range in choice in both style and price-range. The city is home to world-class luxury hotels with a long history and tradition of accommodating dignitaries, celebrities and sports figures alike. Yet at the same time, the city is able to offer top rated lodging to the more budget conscious traveller. The Bed and Breakfast industry is alive and well in the Ottawa area. For those travellers accustomed to a more personalized setting, there is an equally wide range of choices, with a number of Bed and Breakfasts options available.

Ottawa , Safety:
9/10

Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault.

A note about marijuana, a decision by the Ontario Supreme Court in 2007 has rendered possession of less than 30 grams legal within the province.