Over 50 in Thailand

Elephant Nature Park

ljkennedy — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 21:12:00 GMT

Finally arrived just in time for lunch on Monday. We then had an orientation session and were assigned accommodations. The rooms are minimal but adequate. The washrooms are an adjustment when coming from North America. The shower is a corner of the room but it has hot water so no problem. The toilets are much like those in Mexico. No putting paper in them or they plug. You simple put the paper in the bin provided. For bowel movements you are to used the "bum gun" to rinse then paper to finish. It actually works just fine.

There is a magical feel about the Park. Gentle giants everywhere in all their grace and splendor. Several hundred(500)dogs, several hundred cats, water buffalo and horses, all rescued and well looked after. We had a Welcome ceremony, performed by a Shaman. We were blessed with happiness and health. Then it was supper time. The food is all vegetarian and delicious. Everyone turned in shortly after 8pm, such party animals. I am pretty sure no one slept much between the dogs barking every now and then, the cats howling intermittently and the odd elephant trumpeting.

Sunday night in Chiang Mai

ljkennedy — Mon, 23 Jan 2017 21:40:00 GMT

Sunday night in Chiang Mai is like Saturday night in North America. The streets come alive with all manner of vendors, food, crafts, clothing. The street bazaar often start in the morning but the BIG one gets going around 6pm. and continues until at least 10pm(that's when I left). The entire Ratchadamnoen road is closed to traffic and vendor stalls line the streets. Musicians set up in the middle of the flow, often it's hard to see them but you can hear them. The sights and sounds and the crush of humans can be overwhelming if you're not forewarned. I found it quite exhilarating.

Finally arrived in Chiang Mai

ljkennedy — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:06:00 GMT

Arrived in Chiang Mai last night around 7:30pm local time. Getting through the passport line took around 45 minutes. I think that 3 flights must have landed at the same time. Finding a taxi was confusing for me but finally located the taxi stand, hint: go through door 1! The taxi ride was only 10 minutes to get to my hotel, Anoma Boutique House. The driver took some dodgy roads but he was very nice and professional. At night, some streets look like scen from Blade Runner. If only Harrison Ford had been here! Very comfortable room. Appreciated my earplugs when the dog out behind started barking. Other than that it was very quiet for a Saturday night. Beautiful view outside my room. Breakfast was included, bonus! Going to see if I can get my phone to work, I can remember the official PIN and therefore cannot put in a Thai SIM card. Oh and the best, and I did read about this, is the bum gun. To reduce toilet paper due to the narrow sewer pipes.

Hong Kong International Airport

ljkennedy — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 10:56:00 GMT

After a 15 hour flight, I thought I would have a coffee. Was delighted to see a Starbucks. I decided to follow the advice of a young woman who sat near me on the plane and experience some local coffee. She purchased a "white coffee" for me from a shop called "Old Town". It was excellent! Frothy, white and slightly sweet. Highly recommended.

Preparing for trip

ljkennedy — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 10:51:00 GMT

December 10, 2016 had first round of vaccinations in preparation for trip to Thailan. OUCH

Photos: Thailand

ljkennedy — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 02:47:00 GMT

The platform.