New Year's Eve

Fireworks in the US have nothing on Thai fireworks. We can safely say that we have never been that close to that massive of booms and bangs. They also have a fantastic tradition of setting off floating lanterns into the night sky. Like an illuminated hot air balloon, these paper lanterns rise and fill the sky with beautiful reddish "stars".

We brought in the New Year along the Ping River listening to a Thai band nail Bob Marley tunes. Bob would be proud and the guitarist was one of the best I have ever seen - absolutely amazing!

Who would have thought that we would have to go to Thailand to find good live music, even if it is only covers. After the bar shut down the entertainment continued on the streets. Apparently, there are no drinking and driving laws here. Don't worry, we safely strolled back to our hostel at about 3 am.

We decided to join the madness on the road on January 1st and rented a jeep to drive out of town to Maesa Elephant Camp and Wat Doi Suthep. I (Justin) only received 3 honks, 2 of which I feel I deserved. However, remembering that the Thai's are very non-confrontational, I probably made everyone around me mad. Adding to the crazy driving, they also drive on the "other" side of the road here in Thailand (not the "wrong" side, right Liz?)

The Maesa Elephant Camp is home to about 100 elephants that once were used in illegal logging operations and other such activities. Now the elephants live the good life playing soccer, jamming on harmonicas, painting, and being fed a ridiculous amount of bananas and sugar cane from "farangs" (tourists). The soccer playing and painting was by far the most impressive talent. These pachyderms can kick the ball and Dumbo is no slouch behind a canvas (Yes, Amber made us buy an elephant painting).

After being thoroughly impressed by the elephants, we headed up the Doi Suthep mountain to Wat Doi Suthep, which apparently is a popular place on New Year's day because the place was packed with Thais and traditional music filled the air. Seeing hundreds of people carrying flowers and burning incense while walking around the stupa was a truly spectacular site and a reminder of the deep Buddhist faith that is shared throughout this region of the world.

The following day, Justin polished his culinary skills by taking a Thai Cooking course - so expect some awesome phad thai, coconut soup and curries when we return!