Ready

Hi,

After a day of driving, getting lost, finding our way, and smiling a lot, we're back in Chiang Rai. We found the elephants, and I got the passport. I guess that's all that really mattered.

It looks like a bunch of you really remember the 'Summer of Love', and this song by a whisky drinking lead singer.
"You're out on the streets looking good, and baby deep down in your heart I guess you know that it ain't right. Never (x5) hear me when I cry at night, babe I cry all the time... But when you hold me in your arms, I'll sing it once again. I'll say come on, come on, come on, come on and take it! (__ __ __) __ __ __ __... you know you got it, child, if it makes you feel good." Clue: The band name was like a 'business'. Hmm.

We got a later start to the day than planned, so we had breakfast in the hotel. It was quite an experience. The whole place is very modern, almost what one might call 'Euro Chic'. The dining room servers were very attentive and we had a nicer breakfast than if we'd eaten at the diner we were going to go to. After checking out we set out to find the Maesa Elephant Camp. We got lost partly because the map was not oriented to north and south. We finally got on the right road and drove to the turn-off that led us into the mountains. The area was full of 'adventure' spots that offered everything from ATV excursions, to bungie jumping, monkey camps, and horse riding facilities.

The elephant camp is a beautiful place with a big stream flowing over rocks, and elephants everywhere we looked. We were too late for the show, but just walked around looking at paintings by the elephants on our way to the nursery. There is a one year old, and a three month old that were too cute for words. There were two fairly young ones who were taking pictures with some visitors. They were very well trained and rather clever. When someone sat on their knee, they would either set their trunks on the guests shoulder or wrap them up. If you held out money they would come forward and take it from you. Lisa sat with the elephants and one of them put a hat on her head. The whole thing was well worth the extra driving.

When we got back to town it was still too early to go to the Consulate so we decided to have lunch. Our friend Sutheera had told us about a place we just had to check out. It was called "The Good View" and it was right on the Mae Ping River. It was empty when we arrived so we got a table looking out on the river. Lunch was good and it was very relaxing.

Going to the Consulate is always interesting, because they go through whatever bag you bring with you. They take everything out, check it and then put some things back and keep others. We still don't know why they keep things like lipstick, car keys, and mints, but let you take the rest. Curious. Anyway, I got my new passport along with the old one, with holes punched in it. Now we have to go to Mae Sai and have things like my visa and the pages with certain stamps put into the new one. This is sure to be another adventure.

Tomorrow evening we'll be attending a going away party for our friend Rachel. I'm getting excited about the start of the new season of Formula One, so hang on to your seats. (Ha)

Have a Thrilling Thursday.

Peace,
Danny

"Everything you need or want has a way of showing
up as soon as you're ready for it."
~Unknown

Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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