Thailand has been really great so far. We are currently in Chiang Mai. It is in the northern part of the country.
We've been to the Sunday night market. What an experience that was. People selling any kind of souvenir you can think of. They also had food stalls, but all the food was Thai. Pad Thai and Pad Se Ew for a dollar for a large plate. Many different kinds of meat on sticks and/or deep fried. The desserts were also interesting. A banana rolled up in a pancake. (I got one of those.) waffles, ice cream (but not the usual American variety, 'ancient' ice cream instead.) We had a blast walking around. They had dragons made out of rope that were really nice. People were carving soap into flowers; they were really amazing. Chopstick sets and hand made decorations, lanterns... It was all there. We really enjoyed seeing it all. The bargaining was also fun!
Then yesterday, we went to the local palace and a few wats (or temples.) We got a private guide and car driver for the day. He was amazingly cheap but knowledgeable. He used to be a Buddhist monk trainee. We started off with an authentic Thai breakfast. Robyn had a rice soup and I had a rice porridge. Then on to the Doi Suthep temple. We really enjoyed all the history and images. I had Kayla in a backpack carrier and every 2 feet someone stopped us to talk or play with Kayla. They would just walk up and start to play with her hair or feet. They meant no harm, it was just a different culture. A few people asked to pose for a picture next to her. We got a blessing from a Buddhist monk, basically to agree to just be good people and for some good luck. After that on to the palace, which was beautiful. On the top, I had this waffle that had coconut baked right in. This waffle was AMAZING!!! I loved it. Next we went to the Jade Factory and picked up a few pieces for Robyn and the house. From there, we went around the city, seeing different wats and learning about Buddha and his history. They have a temple where you can spend as much time as you want with the monks discussing anything, so I think I'll do that on Sat morning or late Friday. I also got a fish foot treatment, where you put your feet into a fish tank and they clean away all the dead skin cells. It was weird, but nice.
Today, we went for a cooking class. Robyn took the class, while I took care of Kayla. She made 6 courses, that were all Thai. We started off in the market, buying provisions, then back where we had a taste of local fruit and vegetables, like dragon fruit! They gave us a nice cookbook with recipes and pictures of all the spices and vegetables so we could get them back home. From there, for each course you got to chose from 3 options and make it. Robyn really had a great time, as did I. At the end, I got an hour course in Thai fruit decorating. It was really nice. We are now back in the hotel, planning Wed which will probably include Tiger petting and craft shops. Thurs is looking like elephant trek day and Friday may include some more of the city or shopping. We'll see.
Still working on my work visa, we'll see how that goes.
Speak to you soon,
David
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