Thailand - My Chiang Mai Life

Decided to head to the open air market early this morning -- 7 a.m.. On the way to the market, I passed dozens of Monks along the way with there "merit" bowels. People come out of their houses and put food in the bowls. This is their food for the day. Monks are not supposed to eat after 12 noon. I would think that they would get tired of the same things in their bowls day after day. Everything is mixed together, as food is supposed to be just for nourishment and not to be enjoyed! The first 2 pics are items that Thais buy to take to the Wat. 1st is is of incense sticks and in second pic are flowers that are left at the temple or at "spirit houses". The "famous" Durian Fruit can best be described as having a succulent, creamy filling but smelling like stinky socks - don't let that dissuade you from trying it. While durian fruit is not native to Thailand, the country has become the largest exporter of the fruit. It was introduced to Thailand during the 1

Wat Jed Yod or Wat Chet Yot? Take your pick of spelling. This is one of the oldest and most spiritually significant temples not just in Chiang Mai , but in the former Lan Na Kingdom as a whole. The 7 spires represent the "Seven Holy Places" that surround the original "bodhi tree" in India. They say a picture is worth a thousand words... so I will shut up and enjoy the pictures....... 6 of the 7 spires See, I really was there!! For a few baht you can buy the birds in the cage and release them. In the Buddhist Religion, this is away to "make merit"! Hmmm what about the person that caught the birds to begin with???

Food is a big party of Thai Culture! Thia's enjoy cooking and eating at home more then going out to a "fancy" restaurant. Crab - Prawns - Mussels - Squid - Octopus all combine for a great meal. It is nice not having to cook!!! Making the Thai "hot sauce" and slicing the squid. Is it soup yet? Looks good - hope you are hungry.... Firing up the charcoal (My idea using the hair dryer - Crazy Farang) "BOY", yes that is his nick-name, trying out the bar! Getting ready to eat?? And NO my knees will not bend like that!! Must have something to do with old age. L.o.L. L.O.S - "Land of Smiles" and a good time was had by all.........