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Before I give a recap I should probably take a step back and give some context for why we are here in Thailand. Elza’s brother Ozzie moved to Thailand shortly after finishing college and lived and worked here in Chang Mai at Payap University. While living here he met and fell in love with Khai. Khai is originally from a village north of Chang Rai in the north of Thailand. Khai and Ozzie got married first in Thailand and then in Maine then lived in DC before Ozzie became a Professor at LSU. They now live in Baton Rogue with their two amazing kids, Aden and Alice. Elza and I have wanted to make the trip to Thailand since Ozzie first travelled here and we are so grateful to be here now. I am taking some time this morning to do a proper recap of our 5 days here in Chang Mai, the city where Khai and Ozzie met. Ozzie is teaching an LSU Winter Term course here in Thailand after we leave.
12.16 Arriving In Chang Mai
We arrived in Chang Mai after 3 wonderful nights in Singapore. The Chang Mai Airport was quick and easy and we met up with Ozzie, Khai, Aden and Alice at the hotel. (A side note: When we went to Europe it took weeks and weeks of planning and organization for Elza and I, but thankfully Khai and Ozzie have taken care of everything for us, including this lovely hotel. After putting the bags in the room we grabbed the first smoothie from Shark Shack, the smoothie place right next to the Hotel and then got into a red truck for our first “famous” night market. (I say “famous” because Ozzie has now called every market we have gone to a “famous’ night market.) This market is right outside Chang Mai University. It was about 4 or 5 blocks worth of food vendors, clothing vendors, and fun. The kids tried new things and practiced their Thai (see the video at the end of this blog). Foster fell in love with the city instantly, saying over and over again, “I love Thailand”. His favorite food has been “moo ping” with sticky Rice. They are meat on a stick and a consistent at every market we have been to. Waverly discovered Roti, which is a fried bread dessert which has become a staple of her diet this week. Elza and I have been trying spicier food and enjoying every minute of our time learning about Thailand from Khai and Ozzie.
12.17 Sunday Chang Mai Grand Canyon Water Park
For our first full day in Chang Mai we went to the Chang Mai Grand Canyon Water Park. It was amazing. Many years ago the former clay mine filled with water as was a local swimming hole. Ozzie and Khai both visited when it was simply an abandoned mine. 10 years ago it was purchased and turned into the amazing water park you see in the photos below.
Sunday evening we ventured out to another “famous” street market. This one had even more vendors and the kids got some amazing souvenirs. This is probably a good time to mention that when I say evening what I really mean is from like 5:00-7:00 because each night at around 7:00, we have all been so tired that we have wanted to go right home and to sleep. (The kids have been journaling each night as well!)
12.18 Monday Maerim Elephant Sanctuary
Our journey to the Maerim Elephant Sanctuary was magical. We got the chance to feed, hug, bath, and shower with Elephants right here in Thailand. The Maerim red truck picked us up at 7:30am and drove us to the Sanctuary. When we arrived we immediately got to meet an Elephant and feed a few bananas. Then the leaders talked to us about the Sanctuary and why it is run the way it is run. They talked to us about how elephants are often mistreated and how riding elephants can be painful and damaging to the elephants. After the information we all changed into the clothes provided by the Sanctuary and headed out to feed. The 6 elephants ate Bananas and Sugar Cane. It was funny as it felt like some of the elephants were really picky and would only eat bananas or only eat sugar cane.
After feeding the elephants we went and took mud baths with them. The kids jumped right in loved every minute of it. Mom was less excited about the cold muddy water but still enjoyed the chance to play with the elephants.
After a morning of playing with Elephants we ended with an amazing Thai meal in the Sanctuary. Also as an added bonus they had 2 photographers taking photos throughout which is why we ended with these high quality photos from the Sanctuary!
12.19 Tuesday Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Temple)
After a long and amazing day Tuesday we took a lazy morning filled with Smoothies, Moo Ping, and time with cousins. We also had to rest up as Ozzie was taking us on a hike to see 2 temples right here in Chang Mai. Ozzie takes his students groups on these hikes each year. Khai stayed behind with Aden and Alice as the hike is not the easiest. We hiked for about 40 minutes through the forest. The kids loved it. We were at some elevation so it was cool in the shade and the kids were excited to get to the temple. The first Buddhist temple we came to sat next to a water fall and had an amazing view of the city of Chang Mai. It was lovely. I should have Ozzie guest write to tell everyone more about the temples and how Buddhism plays a role in Thai peoples lives, as I only remember bits and pieces. We explored the first temple quickly and then took a red truck to the second temple which was even higher on the mountain (the hike to that one is a full day hike).
Right outside the second temple was another “famous” street market where Waverly, Ronan, and I ate some bugs. They were crunchy but the flavoring on them was not our favorite. I think salt and vinegar might have been good!
12.20 Rest, Video Games, and More Markets
We were all tired from many busy days so took the morning to relax. Luckily for us it also happened to be Ja’s first game back and we got to witness greatness as Ja hit a game winner at 9:01 (901 is the Memphis area code!) in his first game back. We love our city and our grizzlies and this made us proud! GO GRIZZ! GO JA!
Next was a lunch time adventure to an internet cafe to play some games online with Uncle Hi and Uncle Louis. The kids had a blast. When we got back from the cafe, a surprise visitor was waiting for us, Mimsy! (Elza’s mom). The kids were so shocked and excited to see her. She is joining us for the rest of the adventure. That evening we went to another market, and if you can believe it this one was not famous.
12.21 and Beyond
We are leaving Chang Mai today to head north toward Chang Rai. The twins turn 11 tomorrow! I cannot believe it. Sending all our love from Thailand.
Please feel free to let me know what you want to know more about. Here are some of the things I plan to write about in the coming days: Chang Mai Old City, Khai, Spirit Houses, Buddhism, Beers of Thailand, McKenna Kids Independence, My Wonderful Wife, Red Trucks, Thai Massages, and more!!!
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