Why Chiang Rai?

I'll tell you why! This weekend = crazy. Seven hours of driving for one day in Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province. Though we didn't spend a lot of time actually there (it was a day-trip, after all), there were definitely experiencesof merit:

The White Temple, reminiscent of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, is a modern Buddhist Temple with gorgeous architecture and an interesting depiction of hell.

Here I am, standing on the bridge over hell.

Ostrich Riding. My dreams of riding an ostrich since my days as a Swiss Family Robinson fan? Complete. The ride was surprisingly comfortable, but unfortunately this is just another animal abused by Thailand for white men's pleasure. I feel bad for the birds. But I had to ride one.



The Golden Triangle is the place where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. So, a seven hour bus ride and we visited three countries. Not too shabby! This place is also known for its illicit opium trade, but we stayed out of all that, no worries.

Thus, an eventful tenth week. I can't believe there are only three weekends left!