cheers!

Wat Rong Khun

Skulls hang from the trees.

Before leaving the temple, we were made to pose in front of the Golden Toilets (toilets located inside a fake gold building).

Our last stop in the northern province of Chiang Mai was the famed Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple. It is an unconventional and remarkably stunning temple that is still under construction.  After having visited many a wat so far in Thailand, Wat Rong Khun is one of the most visually beautiful wats I've explored. The ornate details throughout the complex were both striking and wonderfully odd.  

the golden triangle

Thailand

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Myanmar

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Laos

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 The Golden Triangle on the Mekong River

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"happy holidays."

This larger than life replica of the Buddha is modeled after the original that is rumored to still be at the bottom of the Mekong River.  

These boats can be hired to take you across the Mekong to either Laos or Myanmar to visit the Chinese casinos on the other side...you are free to cross the borders to gamble for one hour. 

Looking from the Thai border, you can see Myanmar on the left and Laos on the right.  The Golden Triangle. 

drug resistant malaria

New strands of drug resistant malaria are appearing along the border of Thailand and Myanmar.  Read more articles here and here and learn more about what the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit is doing to combat the spread of Malaria here.

border town

Spent last weekend up in the northern province of Chiang Rai on the border of Maynmar.  The border town of Mae Sai is home to a crowded market, overflowing throughout the serpentine side streets with every and anything you could imagine.  

As one who typically loves a good flea market; Thailand has started to push my limits for shopping.  After spending hours navigating through Bangkok's famous JJ market and then stumbling upon a local night market in Uttaradit the night before, the only thing I cared to pick up was a big bowl of noodles and a large bottle of water.  ha! 

But, I must confess it wasn't from lack of trying... Patrick has unfortunately discovered that he's a bit too big for Thai sizes... in shoes and hats that is.  Many a boot and straw hat later, we departed empty handed on our way to the golden triangle.

sports week

Part of my job description (that I was not privy to) includes being dressed up in costumes at least once a month.  Two days ago I was Mrs. Clause in my school's Christmas assembly. Last month Patrick and I were dressed up in traditional Thai clothes and walked through town for my school's "Sports Week" parade.  Despite the heat, it was ridiculously fun. Majority of the students themselves were dressed in beautiful traditional clothes from Thailand and surrounding countries.  It was such fun to see the students, usually clad in blue and white matching uniforms, adorned in colorful clothes and all dolled up. 

  

Later, when we changed into our team colors, we helped lead our teams in "aerobic dancing".  Below you can see Patrick dancing gangnam style in front of thousands of girls.  Love it.  

moments in bangkok

Taking advantage of a three day weekend, Patrick and I took an overnight bus to Bangkok.  Eight hours later, at 5:30 am, we arrived in the notorious city.  Around every corner, down every soi, there is another story and glimpse into another life.  The following images capture some of the calm moments in the otherwise bustling and chaotic city. 

Yi Peng

I was fortunate enough, through happenstance, to be able to experience the breathtaking Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) in Chiang Mai over "Thanksgiving Weekend." Thousands gather together to release huge sky lanterns into the air.  As your lantern floats upward into the night sky, it is said that it takes with it all your past troubles and a wish that you make for the next year. 

These images will hopefully give you an idea to the delightful madness of the scenery; so many people, in one little place, all playing with fire... with nothing but good intentions. 

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What happened after Yi Peng on our scooter ride home was simply the opposite of the peaceful moments we experienced mere moments before.   Basic recap: lost on back roads, lightening flashing all around us, rain pouring down, trees and branches falling everywhere, Libby driving through it like a champ....  haha.  To finish out the evening and to dry our bones, we ate our hearts out at a delicious indian restaurant and then promptly fell asleep. 

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such a memorable night.