Thailand

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!

Greetings from Thailand!

1,239 miles

We are having a wonderful time in Thailand's second largest city. Chiang Mai bustles with activity all day long with tuk-tuks, food carts, motorbikes, pedestrians, and us streaming along every street in a chaotic, almost choreographed, scene that, amazingly seems to work terrifically. How we haven't seen a Thai family on a scooter (yes, the entire family - Mom, Dad, and children on a scooter) run over by a "sawngthaew" (that's a pick-up truck taxi) absolutely amazes me. The only downfall that I have seen to this constant traffic is very poor air quality.

We have been seeing a lot of the city with Eric, Ying, and her family. Our main objective for each day has been to eat 5 meals a day! There is no way we would have made it a lot of these little places without their local knowledge. The food is amazing - phad thai, khao soi, tom yum, etc. Every dish is bursting with flavor.

We had dinner last night at The Riverside on the Ping River, great views, food, and a live band.

Amber and I stayed at the bar afterwards and listened to the Thai band play local favorites (I assume they were favorites b/c everyone else was singing them) and unusual American covers, from Desperado, to Black-eyed Peas, Bee Gees, Tracy Chapman, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jet, and A-Ha to name a few. All the songs had a slightly punk/ska edge to them, and the singers sang in perfect English (American accent and all). Pretty good stuff.

Today we toured several Wats (Buddhist Temples) and even got blessed by a monk. "Happiness and protection for our travels". It was really interesting.

To top it all of we had a massage the other day. Full body, 2 hours, a whopping $6 (US) each!!!! We'll be back there.

Thank you for the comments and go Gator Basketball 12-0!!!

Justin & Amber