Beverage: Mont Clair Red Wine

Never underestimate the benefits of a tall glass of red wine! After spending a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, these benefits became all too clear for me. Unfortunately, in Chiang Mai, wine can be an expensive--and absent--commodity.

Luckily, I was introduced to a replacement for my wino days in Europe: Mont Clair Red Wine. Though I'm no wine expert, I know enough to say that the price is right on this wine--especially in Chiang Mai. Despite its qualm of being a boxed wine, this South African wine acts as a perfect table or every day wine for casual wine drinkers. Obviously there are better options; obviously these have higher prices.

A 5L bag of Mont Clair will run you 950 THB, approximately 142 THB per bottle. As far as I know, a glass of wine at most restaurants will be at least 80 THB: for the habitual wine drinker, this provides significant savings. Another advantage is that the box easily can fit in your refrigerator, making it a perfect option if you only want a glass or two.

Though drinking a glass with a friend is advised, Mont Clair makes a glass of wine a night possible even on your own--no need to leave an unfinished bottle lying around. Purchase at 7-11, Tesco, or any local licquor store.

Beverage: O-Lyte Electrolyte Beverage Powder

In the spirit of my last week in Chiang Mai--consisting of hospitals, thermometers, and way too many blood tests--I have decided to impart some of my Dengue Fever wisdom upon the Stay Fresh community. We all know that Thailand. Is. Hot. Too hot, at times. In order to keep that hydrated homeostasis intact, I have adapted by of course, drinking lots of water.

However, when water simply won't cut it (perhaps if you too have been struck with a tropical illness), I recommend O-Lyte Electrolyte Beverage Powder packets. These packets, sold at any local pharmacy (which are everywhere) come in Orange Flavour, and you simply pour them into a glass of water and drink up! A cross-cultural alternative to Gatorade (available, but expensive by Thai standards), and an easy, healthy option if you're on the go--these packets can be tucked away into a purse or wallet.