Picked up in a red taxi, a converted pickup truck with bench seating across each side of the bed. These are unique to Chiang Mai and each was was it's own little special experience!
Oh yeah, and the doors were strapped open and yes we were going about 45 mph.
This was the main courtyard / reception / hang out. At this point I was thinking it was a little rustic and secretly feared Rebecca would say "Enjoy it with the boys, I'm off to the Marriott". She hung in there though. The boys were really excited about the whole thing, mainly because of the wireless internet. We openly coveted their furniture though. The bar in the middle was from a converted ox car and was unbelievably cool. Breakfast was cooked to order and was a mix of Thai and Western favorites.
Here was our little slice of heaven. Two floors (boys in bunk beds on the ground floor), external staircase, our own patio for relaxing.
OK, so these guys were a minor surprise. Over the bed and I'm assuming they are some sort of protection.
Bathroom for Rebecca and I. Teakwood, very clean, open air (which was different). Yes, we could hear people eating while we were showing.
Here is one of the rooms in the back of the property. The bedroom there is totally open air.
That night we headed out on the town to scope things out and feed our faces. This was the boys first tuk tuk. Very cool.
Day one, snake show! Yes, that's right, Rambo seal of approval on this one. Supposedly Rambo IV was filmed in part here...
King cobra kissing. I had no idea how big these things can get. Over 12 feet long. Form a circle by touching your thumb tips and middle fingers together and it was about that big around.
Here's a few little ones. Apparently they have a blind spot between there eyes. I still think he's crazy too.
How often do you get to pet a monocle cobra? Yep, never.
About 5 feet away.
So when this dude catches the three mambas (one for each hand, third with his mouth), I'm thinking that this is one of those horrible places that defang their snakes.
Nope. They're crazy.
Snake charmer!
Next, a little croc wrestling.
Here he is pulling on its tongue. Apparently they train them by putting a balloon in their mouth and the popping noise scares it.
Still has to get the heart rate up though.
Last stop of the day was one of the long neck hill tribes. Rowan's obsession with the royal family continues.
This precious woman was working away and when I pointed to the camera, she insisted the boys come over and sit next to her for the picture.
You want a piece of me? I broke this over the head of the last chump.
Pretty good sales guy. Let the kid fire the crossbow. Thankfully I pulled the "we'll never get these through China customs". Close one though. I wanted one myself.
Hand painting some stripes on a table runner.
Chillin'.
Sporting a new elephant tusk (fake and proud of it) necklace. Behind him are the typical products that were for sale along the walkway.
Those are really cute hats for girls. Don't tell them.
Riley pilfered Bec's old point and shoot camera (stay tuned for some surprise pictures). I heard him say "man, I've got to get this shot" as he was taking this picture. I don't know why other than he saw me taking it...
At the top of the hill we were surprised to encounter St. Nicolas church. We happened to be walking through as the church was handing out Christmas presents to all the kids. Amazing.
Some of the young ladies of the tribe.
OK, so this may be the most precious girl in all of Thailand and maybe Southeast Asia. If this sweet face with the kids waiting in the background for their presents doesn't make you want to run out and donate something to someone, then you likely have no soul and if you do it will probably rot in hell for all eternity. Just kidding. Not really.
I really should stop with the last picture, so profound and precious. Instead, I leave you this little gem I discovered when downloading the camera Riley was messing with:
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