sv evi

In Chiang Mai we had a great Airbnb. It had lots of outdoor space, and bikes we could use for free. We were in an artsy neighborhood near lots of yummy coffeeshops. We visited some elephants — no riding, bathing, touching, or feeding. Just watching them in the jungle eating corn, and chopping sugarcane to put in their feeding troughs. We ate delicious Kow Soi (a Northern Thai specialty: rich curry with egg noodles, chicken or sausage) as often as we could. Jade and Luz loved the vegetarian sushi at the night market: once Jade ate 21 pieces and Luz 13. Ma and I went to a fantastic cooking class: Sammy’s Organic Cooking Class, on a farm outside of Chiang Mai. We made Tom Ka Gai soup, Kow Soi, Pad Krapow (chicken with holy basil stirfry), Papaya Salad, and Mango Sticky Rice. We met up with Shaina & Max & their kids Arya & Finlee — the kids had befriended each other in Luang Prabang, Laos, and we saw them again in Huayxay, and again in Chiang Mai.

Here are some pics from Chiang Mai.

And one video of the elephants: one stealing from the other’s mouth!

In Bangkok Ma’s friends Pinky and Tao showed us around. They took us to lunch, then to Wat Arun on the ferry. Then to a cultural dance performance to beat the heat of the afternoon. It was such a treat to visit Bangkok with locals, and really took the stress out of it. Tao and Pinky were so thoughtful and kind, looking after us all day. Wat Arun was so beautiful — mosiacs on a huge scale!