Oh my, love Chiang Mai!

Saturday, December 27, 2014
Chiang Mai, Thailand
We weren't originally planning to visit Chiang Mai but when Jan said it was one of her favorite places I figured we had to go. So glad we did!  

We caught a tuk-tuk from the airport to our hotel called the "Log Home Boutique" . It was completely adorable. (See pictures on the 29th.)

In the morning there was a note from Jan by the door - she had arrived later than we had. We went to her room to get her and then we all gathered for breakfast. I had pineapple pancakes this morning (and the following two mornings if you must know). Ree liked the banana pancakes.

At Jan's recommendation we rented bicycles. Rode around for a bit, then stopped at a nice place for a tea to consider our options.

Pictured from our ride is a sample random street shot, one picture from the painted wall outside the US consulate - all of the pictures were about 180 years of friendship between the Thai and American people, lots of pictures of President Obama. Also the first of many pictures of spirit houses. These are festively decorated and carefully tended houses in the yard where your ancestors visit.

Jan consulted Lonely Planet and we decided to take a Scorpion Tail boat ride . It was wonderful with a fantastic guide, so funny and charming. First we went a ways up the river with stories and commentary from our guide, including sometimes pictures of what a certain bridge or section of the river may have looked like over the years.

Then we stopped at a little farmhouse and the guide took us around to show us the plants that were growing, in many cases stopping to pinch a leaf for us to smell. Many of those heavenly flavors you find in Thai foods were emanating from these plants. The guide was funny and charming and we really enjoyed this tour. They also served a lovely mango sticky rice with a refreshing glass of lychee juice.

By the time we finished with that tour and bicycled back to our hotel it was time for the real excitement - the Saturday walking market. Please see pictures.
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