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In early December we spent several days enjoying Chiang Mai, the northern capital about 3 hours drive from our home near Chiang Rai. At least in the central area ("inside the moat") it retains much of its old charm, with literally dozens of temples and traditional northern Thai-style ("Lanna") buildings. We also took this opportunity to eat pizza, salads, and other western items that we don't ever get in our more-rural locale. And on our way out of town we bought good bread and REAL cheese and good wine and other goodies to take home in our cooler for continuing enjoyment.
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| Janet at the temple on top of Doi Suthep, the mountain just outside Chiang Mai. |
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| Walking clockwise around the central Buddha image ensures a long, happy life...Thai Buddhists believe. |
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| David -- of course -- had to take the same clockwise walk. |
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| This elephant and another just like it depict the elephant said to have ordained the founding of the city at this location when he spun around 3 times, let out a large bellow, and died on the spot! |
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| Thai Buddhists teach their children to "wai" at a very early age....clearly seen here. |
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| Wat Umong in another part of the city has tunnels 800 years old. Shoes off, of course, even if you are in the Thai Army. |
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| Who says that farang don't stand out in Thailand? Here is one on the back of a "song thaew" local bus in Chiang Mai traffic. |
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| Clearly a good message for all of us to heed; posted in the forest around Wat Umong. |
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| Most taxi and "samlor" drivers continue to support ex-PM Taksin, ousted in a 2006 Army coup. He is especially popular with the poor and in the north where we live. |
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