M.Y. Chiang Mai

Besides liking the fun play on our names, we enjoyed this laid back city in northern Thailand.

We spent a full day "adopting" an elephant at Patara Family Farm. We learned how to feed, bathe (bottom middle pic), and check their health signs - including squeezing and smelling their dung. One interesting fact from the day is that elephants only sweat from their toenails. After the morning care routine, we rode our elephants (top right pic is one way to get on an elephant) to a nearby waterfall for them to drink some water. The ride was fun, but also important for the elephants to file their nails to avoid infections from ingrown toenails. I got matched with the youngest elephant who was very playful. Warren opted to take a swim with them as you can see from the top left pic.

The next day, we took a Thai cooking class at a local, organic farm. I chose to make yellow curry and spring rolls while Warren made green curry and pad thai. Thai people can really eat some spicy food. I was also surprised to see so many different types of rice (middle left pic) at the market. We can't wait to try some recipes when we get back to the States. I have a running log of dishes that I will try to adapt for my gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free elimination diet...haha. On our last day, we visited a forest temple called Wat Umong (right left pics). This temple was very different from the others. Rather than the typical gold and vibrant colors, Wat Umong blended into its surroundings and felt like a retreat center in the forest. I particularly liked these 2 pigeons who sat on elephant statues as if they were guards for the buddha.

We left Chiang Mai yesterday and are currently in Chiang Khong for our last few days in Thailand.