Chinese New Year

To celebrate the Chinese New Year, we went to Chinatown.  We walked around and looked at all of the different things you can buy and eat.  I had some delicious squid, pot-stickers, and rotee.  While we ate we watched street performers—one of which was a man trying not to be killed by a snake.  Chinatown was crowded, but fun! 

Yummy Fish

Cheap Jewelry

The squid I ate! :)

Ah--Snake!!

The Elephant Camp

Today we went to an elephant camp and watched the elephants do tricks! They painted pictures, played soccer, played harmonicas, and took people's hats. The elephants can paint really well! The camp even has a shop where you can buy the pictures.  We could also buy bananas and sugar cane to feed the elephants.  This has been my favorite part of the trip so far!

All of the elephants that were in the show

An elephant asking for a snack

Me and an elephant :)

Pictures the elephants have painted

The beautiful camp

Strange Fruits!

Since arriving in Thailand, I’ve eaten a number of strange fruits.  Here are just a few: Kanoon, Chanpol, Ngaw, Mahngkoot, and Dragon Fruit.

They also have VERY fresh mangoes, bananas, watermelons, pineapple and apples. Aroy mak!! 

Visiting a Buddhist Temple

Today went visited a Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai that looks very different compared to other temples in the area.  This temple has a Burmese design and basket-like jetties. 

A few things you have to know when you go into a temple:

"Ladies not allowed"

1.) There are some places girls cannot go.  Girls, among other things (like old people), are considered unclean. 

2.) If you are going into a room with a Buddha, you must take off your shoes first.

3.) Dress modestly—no shorts, tanks, or cleavage. The monks will force you to change or buy a sarong before you can enter the temple.    

4.) Wai to Buddha (place your hands in front of your face as if you are going to pray and bow).  This demonstrates respect.

So far we have visited a lot of temples! They have all been really interesting and VERY beautiful! 

A Spirit House

First Day of School

Chang (Elephant)--the School Mascot!

Today we started taking classes at Chiang Mai University.  Each day we will have two hours of language classes in addition to our culture and literature classes.  Four students from the University spend time with us and help us with our Thai.  When we’re not in class, we can join some clubs or meet some other students.  A couple of girls are going to join the Japanese club.  I’m hoping I can join the tennis club! 

First Day of School

A Building on Campus

Lumphini Park

We went to Lumphini Park in Bangkok this morning.  The park was amazing!! Random workout equipment is located all around the park and older women doing Thi Chi can be seen everywhere.  Large lizards can also easily be found—joggers have to wait for them to cross the street before continuing.  Hopefully the parks in Chiang Mai will be just as interesting! 

A Semester Abroad: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos!

For the next three and a half months I’ll be attending Chiang Mai University in Thailand and visiting places like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.  I’ll be taking language courses, visiting temples, and bartering in crowed night markets.  I hope you find my adventures interesting!!