The New Adventures of Amy and Tom

Monday was almost a typical back to work Monday for us. I had a business meeting to sketch out a website with Kid's Ark and Amy started her 'official classroom' teaching with the house-of-hope kids. Both were resounding success.

Chiang Mai agrees with us. We've both sort of settled in here, and with work to do, we've been separated a bit for the first real time on the trip. As wonderful as it is to experience things together, it's also nice to get around on our own a little.

Together, we've done a lot of walking, just checking out the different Wats and other sights around the city. We did the Elephant camp which was astounding and I'm sure we'll continue to post pictures from there for weeks.

On Sunday we took a slightly treacherous pickup truck ride to the temple at Doi Suthep. It's a beautiful wat and chedi that sits at the peak of a mountain overlooking the city. On the way back we spent an afternoon at the Chiang Mai Zoo where we got a very close look at Giant Pandas.

The Sunday night 'night-bizarre' was absolutely packed. It was far less crowded during my last trip, but it seems everyone has come to Chiang Mai for the Song-Kran Festival which officially starts tomorrow.

Amy reports that it has already unofficially started. She's experienced some of the splashing.

For those we haven't told, we happen to be in Chiang Mai for the festival that brings in the Thai New Year. We are at the peak of the heat for the Thai year, and the rainy season is just starting. To celebrate and cool down simultaneously, Thais have a week-long city-wide water fight. Judging by the preparations and the plethora of water throwing equipment available from virtually every merchant, this is going to be insane.

We've been given a few pointers from our Thai friends here:
1. Everyone gets wet. Everyone.
2. There are no exceptions to 1. If you want to stay dry, go to another country. (All of our Western Friends who live here are on holiday to 'not-Thailand' this week)
3. If you don't get wet, it's an insult. The more you get splashed the more beautiful you are.
4. Signs posted all around the miles long city moat read "This moat water has been standardized. It is safe to enjoy your Songkran"

Question and Answer time:
1. Crystal, the man behind the elephant is a 'Mahout', he is the elephants personal handler. Since Elephants live into their 60's, Mahout and Elephant will be together most of their natural lives. It's a very interesting relationship.

2. I will not let Amy answer who she prefers hugs from, me or the elephants. My ego might not survive the answer.

Go Cav's. Go Tribe.

FYI: Uncle Jim and his wild band of USAF compatriots bought a water buffalo for a Thai family in 1967 or 68.