Chang!

 On the way back from Chiang Dao we stopped at the Elephant Nature Park, which is a rescue and rehabilitation park for elephants. It was bittersweet to visit the park because it was heartbreaking to hear about the stories of suffering the elephants have endured in their lives.  There were many injuries that could be clearly seen and it was unimaginable to hear the sorts of things that have happened to them.  However, to see the elephants walking freely in the park, with the herds they form themselves I was grateful that a park like this exists.  After spending the day at the park it was clear how much work and dedication goes into the care of the almost 35 elephants who live there.  The park is open to the public and volunteers are welcome to come and stay while helping in all of the daily activities.  While we were there we feed the elephants a few times and helped bathe them in the river that surrounds the park!!  That was good for both of us because the temperatures rise quite a bit mid day!

 I got the opportunity to get up close and personal to meet and feed the elephants.  They a tremendous amount of fruit each day. Very happy elephants! :)

 

Pillars to keep the elephants from rubbing against the trees.

Park surrounded by beautiful mountains!

Having a snack!

 I was so impressed by this organization for their commitment and compassion for these majestic creatures who have had painful experiences in their life.  Not only do they work hard to help rehabilitate the elephants, it takes a tremendous amount of work to prepare the food and feed the roughly 35 elephants.  They also pay to purchase elephants who need to be rescued as it is rare that an elephant is donated to the park.

Herd walking through the park.

Friends!

Baby elephant!

Although Asian Elephants are gigantic creatures, they are 1/3 the size of the African Elephant.

Had a wonderful experience at the park and will most likely go back before June!

Exploring Chiang Mai!

After a few nights adjusting to the time change and becoming familiar with the area we took a trip to Wat Doi Suthep a temple on the top of a mountain about 10 miles from Chiang Mai (Wat is name of a monastery temple and Doi Suthep is the name of the mountain).  We had to dress appropriately, wearing clothing that covered our knees and shoulders when inside the temple.  Once we reached the top of the mountain we climbed the 309 steps to the temple and removed our shoes before we entered.  I had time to walk around the temple and took in all of the detail and history.  We were allowed to take photos of monks inside after we showed our respect to them.  It felt a bit awkward taking photos inside as it did not feel like a 'touristy' thing to do, but instead a piece of tradition that has been apart of Thailand for hundreds of years.  I had a conversation with one of our guides about the practice of meditation and was lucky enough to receive a blessing from a monk.

Beginning of the steps

Wat Doi Suthep

Stairs at night

After walking through we went a few steps down to a lookout of Chiang Mai - my new home for the next five months!  What a beautiful place to begin this new adventure!

Chiang Mai from Doi Suthep

I must add after the visit we had a wonderful Thai dinner with a great organization and I had for the first time sticky rice with mango! Such an amazing treat! Custard is also another popular dessert in Thailand, which is pictured on the left which is served inside of a cooked pumpkin.

The next day we went exploring through the city and found a large market.  There are tons of markets and vendors along every street where you can find a bite to eat at every time of day.  I unfortunately do not have a full kitchen in my dorm, only a refrigerator so I will be grabbing most meals when I travel between school and home.  

After the market we headed to Chiang Dao for the night, which is about an hour and a half from Chiang Mai.  The first stop was to visit the Chiang Dao cave temple.  I had not been that far inside a cave before and it was amazing to come up on statues and areas where people come to leave offerings and participate as they would in other temples.

 Inside the cave

 

We stayed in bungalows at Chiang Dao nest which is nestled next to the mountains.  The views were breathtaking and it was so quite and serene in the country.  We had a wonderful BBQ dinner by candlelight of some Northern Thai cuisine.  Yum!

Landed in Chiang Mai!

From subzero temps to SE Asia I made it!

The flight from New York to Hong Kong was surprisingly easy.  I slept most of the trip which helped adjusting to the twelve hour time change!  I was bummed I couldn't see much of Hong Kong from the airport or the plane.  The three hour flight to Chiang Mai from Hong Kong was beautiful as we flew over miles and miles of rice fields, rolling mountains and long country roads.  So excited to have this time in Thailand!!

Since being in Thailand I have already seen so much and can't believe it has only been a week!  We had a "soft landing" to Thailand including many wonderful Thai meals out, ice cream, coffee (the coffee industry has really taken off here in the past ten years and there are shops everywhere!) and a Thai massage (which was described to me as someone doing yoga to you and was quite an experience)!  My first impression of the city was fast moving, as the 'king of the road' takes the lead in the traffic patterns and you need to be very mindful when in the roads or even walking in the street as the sidewalks have many surprising drops.  While the streets are busy, there is not a lot of accompanied noise.  Everyone is very calm, having an unspoken exchange of traffic courtesy, much different from some busy roads I have seen back home. I will not be driving an automobile while here, which is ok because getting used to the traffic may take a while!  Also, the moving vehicles travel on the left side of the road, unlike the states. Like the automobiles, I will not be driving a motorbike which most of the students at Chiang Mai University ride.  These motorbikes are quite convenient in terms of getting around, but you must be very aggressive and alert while riding as they thread the traffic, going in between cars.  I will be walking a lot and it has been suggested by many people for me to buy a bicycle. 

Yantarasri Resort - first two nights in Chiang Mai

The city is mixed with new construction, shops and houses all intertwined on the blocks. Thai tradition and culture is found on every block, such as the spirit houses which I am sure I will learn more about in my classes!  Overall, my first impressions of Chiang Mai are simply amazing.  The people are so friendly and eager to help me learn.  The climate and landscape is absolutely breathtaking - and hot! Thailand is currently in their winter months and I have been told the heat will come in April and May and to be prepared!   

Spirit Houses

Coffee Shop

Thai Massage