25 Feb 2023
Our guide, "Nu" (?sp) was soft-spoken yet engaging with perfect, easy-to understand English. He had amazing knowledge of history and world affairs. He was happy to take pictures for us, but did not pressure us to take a picture every minute! We did a walking tour of the center of town and saw things beyond what was on the itinerary. We started at What Phan Tao, a small temple, but in authentic Lanna style. We then went to a vendor who sold candles based off the day of the week we were born. We lit this and added it to the others as we made a wish. Next to the massive "pyramid", Wat Chedi Luang Varavihara, with its huge carved elephants. We made an impromptu stop at a place where Bhuddist monks sat outside with the goal of improving their English by speaking with strangers. I learned a lot about a monk's life in a dialog with an 18 year old monk. Now into the A/C van (thankfully, as the day was hot!) for a wiggly ride up to the Wat Phra That Don Suthep. If you get carsick, you should consider taking seasick medicine for this ride. This temple was impressive with lots of gold. The crowd has dwindled a bit since it was 4:00 PM. We got more than our money's worth on this trip with awe-inspiring, knowledge instilling experiences!