Thailand (Chiang Mai) June 2011

We headed up to Chiang Mai for the next part of our trip. Chiang Mai is in the northern part of Thailand, surrounded by mountains. Lots to love here... food, elephants, tigers and wats! No, not rats. Wats. ...although we did see some rats too haha ;)

Coconut milk.

Okay, so I don't have any pictures of the food...but it was delish! See a future post about Thai food...you might have to wait a few months at the rate that I'm posting though. 

The Elephant Park that we went to was up in the mountains, about 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai. All of the elephants are owned by a private caregiver...and the caregiver brings them to this park for training and shows. We were absolutely amazed by these elephants!! The whole time I was there I thought about how much my little sis Shannon would just LOVE this place. Shannon, these pics are for you!! :)

About 2 seconds after I took this picture the elephant with the light trunk reached out for the bananas in Chris' hands...and he ate the whole bunch!

Bath time.

How to step off an elephant

Playing the harmonica

Kicker...

...goalie

Elephant painting

Very fitting...great moment for a photo lol

After the Elephant Park, we stopped at the Tiger Kingdom on the way home.

 Just chillin'...

...and cleaning...

...and lunchtime is coming!!!

Raw chicken!!! Yummo!

We also went up to the famous Doi Suthep Wat, a Buddist temple up in the hills of Chiang Mai.

A lot of gold and a lot of bells!

View of Chiang Mai

Aside from the 'tourist' places, we did a lot of walking around the city and the night market too.

Gate to the city!

...and our young monk friend!

Check out the optical shop!

Delicious Thai juice...probably from concentrate, but it was soooo good!

View of some of the markets