We flew through Bangkok to our first destination in Thailand, Chiang Mai. Our first full day was Lesley’s birthday. The hotel arranged for her to attend a monastery and have the monk provide a special blessing for her along with a sprinkling of holy water. The monk also gave Lesley a simple hand woven bracelet. What a way to start her Bday!
We toured some more Buddhist temples, the largest of which had been severely damaged in an earthquake. It was reduced in height by 1/3 and lost most of its 67 elephants that were around the 2nd tier. One temple on that site only permitted men to enter it!
Thailand is quite different from Vietnam & Cambodia. There are primarily cars on the streets, the overall area is more “westernized”, there appears to be less poverty (Thai GDP per capita is 40% more than Vietnam) and the tuk-tuks are 3 wheel cycles vs. Cambodia’s trailor attached to a motorcycle. The “mass” transportation system is pickup trucks with benches (scheduled routes, specific destinations or rent the driver/vehicle, whatever suits you).
There are schools for all and many start at the ripe old age of ONE. Whether it is public or private schools, the children all wear uniforms and look adorable.
We finished our first month of traveling with over 2500 pictures! We are having an incredible time and learning so much about other cultures. It has been absolutely fascinating.
