Visit with Friends- October 16-17, 2013

Most of the group woke early the morning of October 16th so we could enjoy the sights and sounds of the morning market in Mae Salong. The villagers, farmers, and vendors wake early every morning to bring their vegetables, meats, and other food items to the main street of downtown Mae Salong to sell. This is one of the most interesting parts of the trip as we get to see what rural Thai life is like and the economy of the town market. There are "produce" vendors, meat and fish, coffee and doughnuts. The last is one of our favorite treats. Our group usually takes the entire table in front of the vendor when we sit to enjoy coffee. For a coffee snob, this coffee is not the best but I love it. They use instant coffee and then add sweetened condensed milk. You have it with the doughnuts that are freshly prepared for you. It was fascinating to watch the lady who owned the stand pull the dough and cut it for the two different shapes that she fries.

Market Photos:

After the market, some of the group headed up the hill to climb the 718 steps to the King Mother's Shrine and others loaded into the van for the drive to the top. I have taken the steps twice before and climb 24 steps multiple times a day, I felt I was ok to take a break so I loaded in the van with Bannessa (that is how the children say her name. V is hard for them to pronounce) and up to the top we went. We met the others from the group at the top and toured the inside of the shrine which is impressive every time. At the monument where some of the King Mother's ashes are people try to stand coins on their edges. We were told that if you could successfully stand your coin, you would have a blessed and balanced life. Well.... not to pat myself on the back too hard, I was able to stand my coin so I guess I will have a good life. :)

After the shrine we packed up to head to the border road between Burma and Thailand. On this drive we visit a bunker where the Thai army still has officers at where you can stand on the wall and gaze into Burma. Here you can also stand in two countries at once along the fence line.

The boys and me looking into Burma

Judy, me and the girls with one hand in Burma

Two places at one time

We crossed into Burma after visiting the bunker. You do not need to show your passport or complete the exit card when traveling in Burma on the road but the guards asked for the Jermsak's information because of the children. Along the way down, we stopped to look at the coffee plants and other crops that are planted closely to the roadside. We think perhaps they have these planted where they are to hide the illegal crop that may be planted further in which is difficult to see or reach. We cannot say for sure if that is the case but we suspect it may be.

After entering Thailand again, we headed to Golden Triangle where some of the group went to the Opium Museum and others went on a boat ride on the mighty Mae Kong river. The children had never been on a boat ride and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The loved holding their hands over the water as the boat made it's way through, letting the spray splash them.

After the boat ride, we headed back to town for dinner and rest because we had a big day ahead of us on Thursday. That is when we get to ride elephants and the raft down the Mae Kok river.

Until next time.....

God Bless,

Heather