Chiangmai

On day three, the jet lag wore off and we suddenly realized that we were in Bangkok. Holy Krap! How'd we get here?? No wonder it was so hot and humid and smoggy and bangkocky. Without delay we taxi'd to the airport and bought tickets to fly to the much cooler (and calmer) northern city of Chiang Mai.

At the airport, Leaf and Mark find a Krispy Kreme and experienced a Happy Moment!


It was night by the time we arrived and we headed to the trendy downtown area. Here is a giant tree over a Buddhist temple. . .


Here is a cool old teak temple. The sign says, "Pancake Breakfast Tomorrow at 8:30"


We were lucky to sneak up on some monks chanting.

Our hotel was a teak paradise and we slept and ate like kings. Check out this excellent Phad Thai.


In the morning, Leaf rode a white swan, like the people of the Beltane. . . Wear your hair long, babe you can't go wrong. . . Anybody get the reference? Any electric warriors out there?

Doi Inthanon National Park

Our first full day in Chiangmai, we visited a national park. Now this was more our style. Soon we reached the highest point of Thailand. . . Woo hoo!


Two interesting things about the highest point in Thailand.

1. It was very popular.
2. It was not the highest point in Thailand.  . . on the hill above was a Buddhist shrine.

Once inside the park we decided to do a "nature hike." To take the hike, everybody had to wait 45 minutes in a long line, sign their names in a book, pay somebody 200 Baht, and follow around an official guide. Still, it was very beautiful.

The park had an overlook that was inhabited by a giant permanent cloud. The cloud just refused to leave. So instead of getting a picture of yourself in front of some great natural wonder, you got a picture of yourself in front of nothing (well, nothing but white fuzz). At least nobody could complain your shot was out of focus.


White Fuzz. . .

Mark's favorite photo. He calls it, "Man trying to find himself in nature." You want to buy? Cheap cheap!


In the hills below were the king's and queens stuppas.


And below that, a cool waterfall. Here a couple of goofy tourists contemplate the "No Swimming" sign.


Leaf getting his Buddha on.
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Leaf getting his Reclining Buddha on.


Okay. . .that was our big day in Chiang Mai. Tomorrow we were to begin our epic bike tour. . . HOLY KRAP!! We were so scared!!!

I'll leave you with a mossy elephant. . .


NEXT DAY. . .