Markets, bikes and temples

We're currently in Chiang Mai, a small city in northern Thailand. We have decided to relax here for a while before our meditation retreat which starts the 12th. Today, the 9th, makes it one week we have been here. Chiang Mai is known for its abundance of temples & activities, it's food, and it's yearly Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals. We've spent a lot of time on our bicycles (about $1.50/day), reading, eating and taking in the sights.

We found a three story market selling everything from dried fish, spices, veggies & freshly cooked meals to batteries, clothing, fabric & medicine. I'd be surprised if there was something you couldn't find there if you knew where to look.

Bottom left: bamboo worms!

One of the best things about being in the North is that everyone eats sticky rice! At the street market next to our guesthouse we can buy a kilo of cooked sticky rice for little more than $1. We have been having that and fresh jackfruit or fruit smoothies for lunch lately. 

Thefirsttemple we went to see is called Wat Phra Singh.

 I spent a good five minutes trying to see this monk move only to find out he is fiberglass..

Some of the monks in training looked to be younger than ten years old..

In back of the main temple was a smaller, older temple made of wood. The design on these buildings is extremely detailed and wonderful to see. The entire inside of this one had paintings depicting life in the mountains here hundreds of years ago. 

Paparazzi shot..

Riding bikes is wonderful & it makes us nostalgic for Sacramento!

xx ELM