Disadvantaged children growing and learning in a safe and healthy environment


Enroute - Chiang Mai

We spent two nights in Chiang Mai. The first afternoon we settled into our boutique hotel and walked around to see the night vendors. On Saturday we spent the day in the mountains of northern Thailand, near the border with Myanmar. We visited an elephant conservation and training facility. We watched elephants bathe in the river, perform tricks, like painting pictures, and work tasks, trekked through the jungle on an elephant, and returned to the facility by ox cart. We then floated down the river on a bamboo raft to our waiting car. On the return trip we visited a monkey rehabilitation and training facility and beautiful orchid gardens. What an array of new experiences!

Sunday started with sacrament meeting in the Chiang Mai Branch (with headphones and translation for us non-Thai speakers--thanks elders!), and then we were off on our flight to the beaches of Krabi in southern Thailand. Watch for our sun and sea Krabi blog.

Crossing the river to begin our trek.

Through the jungle.

"Punting on the Thames." Very relaxing, amazing scenery

A blossom among beautiful orchids!

Gathering with the saints in Chiang Mai--a wonderful and friendly branch.

2 comments:

Ben and Summer said...

AWESOME. I am so jealous! That sounds like one amazing day. Great pictures! Mom, I'm so excited that you had such an elaborate fullfillment of your desire to ride an elephant:) We really appreciate the updates, especially with everything that's going on in that part of the world. Safe travels, and be sure to keep in touch, please!

Heidi said...

How was the elephant ride? Not that comfortable, huh. Nice hat. I bet that will come in handy.