SNAKE FARM

At the snake farm just out of Chiang Mai, they put on quite a show. They were working with pythons, king cobras, and an amazing "jumping" snake. They showed how they "milked" the snake of it's venom. And everyone got to handle the python.

DOI SUTEP

Doi Sutep is an amazing temple 17 km up the mountain of the same name from Chiang Mai city. It is 700 years old -a very popular place for Buddhists and tourists alike.

THE VILLAGE

We had a wonderful meal at Toon's house. Rice, mango, noodles, crickets. The rains have not arrived yet, so the rice cannot be planted. Her father arrived later with 2 large bags full of fish which he had caught. The picture of the 3 shows my interpreter and his wife and son. They were the kindest people. Two days later, they took my to their church in the big city of Ubon

MEETING MY "FOSTER CHILD"

The biggest thrill of my whole trip to Thailand was meeting a little girl that I have sponsored for 4 years. Her name is "Toon" and she lives in a very small village near the Laos border. I had to travel 17 hours by bus to get to the city of Ubon Ratchathani. Then an interpreter picked me up and we drove for 2 hours out into the countryside to her village.

Toon is an only child - her parents are older. Her home is very primitive - but she is an incredibly happy 11 year old. I spent all day with her, her family and some of the workers from the church. I must say it was probably one of the most emotional days in my life.

CHIANG MAI

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Chiang Mai is a delightful city 800 km north of Bangkok. The "old" city is in the center of the city - is surrounded by a wall and a moat. Many retired expats call Chiang Mai home. And I can see why - the city just feels right. It is a bustling city, vibrant - but not crazy like Bankok.

BANGKOK RIVER TAXI

Taking a river taxi in Bangkok is really the way to see the good, bad, and ugly of BK.

It's only about 15 cents and you can travel for miles. There is a taxi coming every 15 minutes both directions.

THE LONG TAILS

The long tail boats are not unique just to Bangkok - they can be found elsewhere in Thailand. But they are unique! An automobile engine powers the slim, sleek craft through the water at amazing speeds. The drive shaft with propeller extends 10 to 15 feet behind the boat - the entire engine is attached to the tiller and must be balanced ever so carefully. Despite the long tail's extreme length, it can turn on a dime because of the tiller, engine, propeller placement.

PEOPLE OF BANGKOK

BANGKOK AT NIGHT

Bangkok really comes alive at night. The Kao Sahn Road area attracts people from all over the world. It is an all-out assault on the senses. From all manner of outdoor eateries, to bars, to gift shops - this area has it all.