Elephants and Street Food

Because we had a flight to catch on Thursday, we had to leave the group on the Burma border and head back to Chiang Mai. Micah, an FBR ranger who grew up as a missionary kid in Thailand, drove us back. We had to go the same way we came the two days before - 10 hours - through the jungle, over the mountains, through Mae Sot and back north to Chiang Mai. 

Kevin started out in the back of the truck because of the lack of leg room in the front seat. But it was so hot and the sun was so intense that after two hours he moved inside. Let's just say it was a loooong ride back. 

We stopped in Mae Sot for lunch. Micah called another FBR volunteer who lives in Mae Sot and asked for local food suggestions. Micah ordered 5 different dishes and we all shared - so fun to try real, local Thai food. It was dirt cheap, too - I think it was around $8 to feed all 5 of us!

Micah speaks fluent Thai since he was raised in Thailand. It was fun to get to know him better and learn more about Thailand and FBR. 

I really, really, really wanted to ride an elephant while we were in Thailand. Micah mentioned that we would be driving past an elephant hospital on our way and offered to stop. I think Kevin really wanted to just get back to the ranch, but we stopped anyway.

Unfortunately, the elephant rides only go until 3pm and it was 4:30. But...we got to visit and pet the elephants which was cool.

this was the only one I saw chained up - not sure why

How cool was that? Still wanted to ride - and was holding out for that chance on the final part of our trip. We piled back into the truck for the remaining 1 hour drive to Chiang Mai.

We knew we'd be at the house alone as Karen was working late, so we asked Micah if he'd stop in the city so we could get some dinner - specifically Pad Thai (which is the most common Thai food served here in America).

He stopped at his favorite food cart on the street - this could very well be the source of our digestive problems that began the next day. Again, we were able to feed 5 of us for under $10.

While we were waiting for our food, I asked Micah what was in this jar...it's blood. It congeals and then they cut it into blocks.

I took a couple short videos of the street scene while I was waiting for our food.