Top 10 Moments in Chiang Mai

So many great moments it’s hard to pick…

1. Being approached by a taxi driver who agreed to drive us up the mountain to see the Buddhist Temple–Doi Suthep Naga. Later that day he drove us to the village shops a/k/a tourist trap shopping center where we actually had a pretty good time. Later our driver told Jason he wanted to see us again and even be friends for life.

That was a first.

2. While walking through Chiang Mai we came to the Tha Phrae Gate (old city wall) and ended up speaking with two different groups of Americans. One of whom took our picture and the other we took pictures of…it’s good to be tourists.

3. After the gate we walked a ways more. We were so hot that day. When we found a smoothie shop we sat there for a really long time just basking in the coolness. Seems like such a small thing, but it was the best part of our day.

4. Visiting the Wat Chedi Luang and being able to speak with a monk about Buddhist life and being a monk.

5. Stumbling on Tha Phrae Gate a second time, but this time after a pseudo-Mexican dinner. Once again we were impressed by the pretty sight.

6. Bamboo raft trip and seeing the elephants paint.

7. Our Thai cooking class.

8. Catching up on work at the nearby coffee shops. Chiang Mai is a backpacker’s paradise with all kinds of bars, coffee shops, and cheap restaurants.

9. Shopping at the night markets.

Crap?
Yes.

Cheap?
Yes.

Worth buying?
Yes.

10. Watching Jason’s reaction when he stepped into the world’s coldest hotel pool.