......  We travelled for part of the trip with the Carlson's .  They are great travel partners.
                                                                                                           Travelling with them increase the fun factor by 10.
 
 
 

The temples were fascinating.   I think at one point Mike felt a little......\
overwhelmed with all the Buddhas.   He was also getting a little hot.  Bangkok is
interesting but you have to be able to handle the heat.

The kids enjoyed the temples.  I think they were impressed by all the gold.  They also liked seeing the Monks
........

......
Each temple is a little different.  The architecture and statues are beautiful and well maintained.  The colors are vibrant and the forms are
unique and beautiful
 
 

 We rode in all kinds of transporation.  Here is a little shuttle truck that took us up
to a temple.  While visitng the temples you are required to cover your legs.  This includes men.  Luckily, they have wardrobe you can rent that will
cover up .  Its a show of respect.  We didn't mind.  Its just a little warm to always wear long pants.
......
 
 

The many images of Buddha were interesting. The monks were friendly.  They performed blessings and were very generous with warmth
and time. No wonder Joey is so interested in Buddhism.  The monks have such an aura of peace around them

\....
 
 
 

We got to have a traditional Thai night out with music and dancing and wonderful food.  It was fun although we were exhausted and Joey and
Rachel fell asleep.,

....
 
 

On the road we passed different forms of transportation .

The workers were in the rice fields harvesting.  We stopped and let Joey and Rachel have a go at it.
They realized how much work and sweat goes into each grain of rice . .,.. no more wasting rice.

 

On our way back we stopped at a snake show.  Thailand must not have
the same liability laws as the US.  This show seemed very dangerous.
I suppose there is no suing in Thailand.  Do  things at your own risk

 

We had a special dinner at one of Chim's friends house.  They had a beautiful house along the river, outside of
Chaing Mai.  I think her husband was an architect for the King.

 

The shopping is wonderful..  Perhaps Joey's favorite activity in Thailand was bartering.  He would spend
an hour trying to lower a price by 5 cents.

...

The next day we went to an elephant work demonstration. The elephant is used like the horse is used in this country.  They are very skilled and
smart animals.  We got to watch a show, feed them and also go on a little ride.

They really enjoy bananas and sugar cane.  They have strong teeth and can eat an entire bunch of sugar cane with one chew

 
 

Next was a bamboo raft ride down the river.  Joey worked hard getting the raft down the river.  Its a lot of work poleing your way through
Thailand

At the end of the raft trip we stopped at a village where they sell their handicrafts.  Joey was the center of attention.  Hes always
willing to purchase something to help the village out.

 

Our trip continued to Chaing Rai where we stayed in a wonderful resort.  We visited the hill tribe villages.  Unfortunately, we didn't have a
digital camera with us at this time.  We visited the handicraft areas where the Thai artist show their skills.  Amazing.  We walked
through the Chaing Rai street Market... anyone for cockaroaches, chilis and chickens.

We then headed to Kata beach near Puket.   The hotel was wonderful.  We went snorkeling and swimming and had a wonderful
time at the resort.  Maybe we can digitize some pictures later.