Our morning began with a small talk regarding last night’s adventure walking through the Chaigan Mai night market. Once Anan arrived, we boarded the bus for a long winding ride up the mountain side. We were pleased as Anan (Andy) told us our names in Thai. Unfortunately, he gave no meaning behind them, we are anxiously awaiting the Thai spelling that was sure to follow. Today’s adventure felt like a page from the Discovery channel, holding Teak leaves which make beautiful expensive wood to viewing water buffalo and walking through the Chiang Dao Caves was simply exhilarating. There were a myriad of shapes throughout the cave; images and stone formation gave way to Buddha’s elephant and the open mouth of an alligator. This was only the beginning of the discovery. Our peruse along the Kok River provided a breath of fresh air mixed with mother nature’s picture perfect scenery. Tranquility describes it at best. Onward to visit one of the five tribes of Thailand’s Chiang Rai Golden Triangle. Just off the river banks we exited our boats which resembled a long canoe, to explore the hilltop way of life on foot, in doing so we purchased hand made scarfs and took plenty of photos of the lively children. Our last stop before heading to our new home for two days was the tribal home of Lahu upon deboarding the boat we observed other tourists riding elephants in the river bank and the most amazing thing seen was an infant no more than 18mo old being placed in a cage with a large snake. This opened the door for our group to hold a snake and yes we all declined. We must have a little sense lol…. Oh before I forget Jennie, Jennifer, Kasjana, Lilit and I were scared half to death when our boat hit a large rock in the water, had it been filmed we would have won the ten grand for the funniest video. Overall, today was exciting as each day has proved to be more exciting than the next. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s adventures. Until then Sa Wat Dee Kha – my standard Thai greeting meaning goodbye from a female.
Sytera Lynn Sanders in Thia Sunsasani
