A day off

I am taking a day to rest from all the excitement, of which there is much of. So many sites, sounds, colours, food, noise, heat and amazing experiences.

I got to experience Thai style driving yesterday. We took a 500 km tour in an airconditioned mini van. I had to close my eyes a few times as we had some very close calls passing. Now in Canada we have these things called double lines on some streets which are there for a reason, do not pass. However, here it appears it means the exact opposite, go for it. Here we are winding around these crazy curves and Chin (driver) is merrily passing anyone who gets in his way. There are other cars, Tuk Tuks, motorbikes, mopeds it's like a intricate video game. I don't think I saw one speed limit sign. These guys love to tail gate, seriously.

The tour had a few stops the first was the White Temple (will upload picture later), holy cow was this thing ever awesome. The artist has been working on it for 50 years and is planning for another 50. He does not want it to be finished in his life time but rather to live on past him. He is very visionary by Thai standards and well liked.

Next stop a hot springs where you can boil an egg if you wish. I chose not to. We found some energizing tea and will be testing it here to see if it really works, then maybe we shall bring some home for all.

I have never seen so many kinds of dried fruit, it is everywhere and man is it good. So far we have tried dried squash, cantalope and mango. Some of that will difinetly come home with me.

We took a boat ride of the Laos, it was hard for me as the poverty was heart wrenching and in hindsight I wish I had not done it. As you move out of the city the poverty becomes more obvious and you guys know what soft heart I have. I am so grateful for all I have.

The last stop was the boarder of Burma where I barted for a lovely burmese jade bracelet. Long ride home then tea and Banana pancakes for diner, yummo.

My Thai massage course starts tomorrow, very excited and nervous as I alwasy get when starting something new. I don't know how long we will be staying in Chaing Mai but that will unfold as it needs to.

I found another bead store the other night that has only been open for 2 weeks. I really liked the fellow there and will go back and chat about shipping stones to Canada. It would be great to have a connection here. There is also one other gentleman I will be speaking to as well.