Slightly out of our comfort zone this morning for breakfast, but thanks to Sam we weren't shocked running into blood soup (#1 Thai breakfast item that we googled at home) when we headed north. It was great. The blood portion was not the broth, but rather a large piece of marinated tofu. The soup also had pork meatballs and cilantro. We added some sort of dehydrated crispy mystery topping and spicy rice vinegar as well. The fried rice and Chinese style donuts were really good too. 👍🏻👍🏻
Off to a factory to see the process of making the Buddha images.
They are all replicas of the Buddha. This hand position is meant to ward off evil spirits, asking for help from the earth.
Next we toured the ruins of the first capital of Siam, Sukhothai. This stunning Walking Buddha statue's hand position means enlightenment, or teaching.
So hard to capture the majesty of these temples and stupas. This one is probably 3 stories tall.
This adorable little girl (can't even be 2) already practicing demonstration of respect. Sawasdee-ka, little one!
And there's the peek-a-Buddha! This Buddha image is About 60 feet tall.
Just to demonstrate the scale of this massive homage to Buddha.
Another fabulous lunch. We're in smaller towns as we head north, so the food is made with the local palate in mind, rather than the tourist. It's delicious, and spicy 🌶!
Woohoo... Jeff earned a badge on his beer tracking app and has now had five unique beers from Southeast Asia. 🍻
Museum stop. Gorgeous grounds. Art, pottery, weapons, Buddhas, and a Thai alphabet lesson. Please don't ask us to repeat it!
Our tour package describes it.
"Amazing Thailand".
We've been wanting to find a list describing the meanings of the different postures and hand gestures of the Buddha images. Unfortunately, the picture came out a little blurry. Oh well, we can take one next time we're here.
Into the hills of Northern Thailand...
Difficult to get great photos of the countryside from the bus, but the scenery was spectacular.
Rice paddies
Banana trees and other crops
We tried to catch a picture of the sun, but could never quite get it through the windows while driving. It will have to be a photoless memory. A blood red sun that looked like a full moon. There was a smoky haze in the air creating the effect of a one hour + sunset 🌅. I think it may be from workers burning the rice fields after harvest.
Last stop for the evening, shopping and dining in the local "modern" mall.
Jenn is addicted to anything elephant.
This was a traveling show of 100 painted elephants in the mall.
Off to the hill town of Chang Rai tomorrow.
For those of you who have inquired about the chafing, it's under control. Thanks for your concern. Pass the powder, please.
The atmosphere is just so DIFFERENT there: the food looks amazing, the sights are incredible, and... banana plants just out in the open. Thank goodness for tour guides! And for the powder, of course....
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