Monkeys, Tigers, and Elephants

As to date, I have only seen an elephant here in Thailand, though I am sure that will change. Doug, I will keep my eyes peeled for your pet monkey!
So I caught the bus, right outside my guesthouse to Chiang Mai. There was 6 other foreign travelers that the bus picked up, maybe a quarter of a kilometer down the road...for them it was standing room only until others departed the bus. Once some people left, Fabian, one from the group filled the empty seat next to me. His group is from France, and will be here for 2 weeks. This bus ride was long, with no toilet or snacks along the way, but at least I had an english speaking companion on my left. When the bus arrived in Chiang Mai I joined the group in a red taxi truck to find a guesthouse. The group includes, Fabian and his girlfriend Sofie, Fredarick and his girlfriend, then Antuan, and another that I cant say that I have ever understood what his name is...though out of the group he speaks the best english. (compements of Stevo, of Jackass, or so I am told). We found a beautiful guesthouse, for 600 baht a night, which is a bit more then I wanted to spend, but still quite reasonable.

Today we rented another red taxi, and went to see Wat Phrathat and a mountain tribe. When we arrived up top, to see the mountain tribe it was still a bit foggy, and therefore comfortably cool. Up the hillside there were stalls all selling handmade goods, from jewelery to clothes, tableclothes made from silk, and spices hand ground. The children ran around in their tribal attire jinglining as the played. The garden was beautiful, oh and the bamboo!!If only I could have you understand how HUGE the canes were around...probably 8 inches in diameter! Everything is so lush, and large...then again, this is considered a jungle.

So here I am in Chiang Mai, preparing for my journey to the monestary tomorrow. It seems that everything is set. My only instructions, show up after 1pm, and make sure to have eaten, for no food will be served until morning. Uh, good thing I wont be physically expending energy, since two meals is all I will be getting in the next 2 weeks. Hmmm, I think ice cream sounds good about now!
Anyway. I don't want to get into too much detail about the trip to come. I will make sure and give you the details once they exist.
Off to get a Thai massage before I take the next big step in this adventure.
Thank you all for your love. It is magnificent! I can feel it, even thousands of miles away. Much love to you in return.