This wat is home to loads of stray dogs as well as many statues of dogs.
The dog on the mat is real.
Alan and his snowman friend.
New years eve in Chiang Mai sending lanterns into the night sky.
Monks joining in the celebration.
Thousands of lanterns are sent skyward. Lets hope there aren't any planes flying overhead.
Thousands of lanterns are sent skyward. Lets hope there aren't any planes flying overhead.
Children going cheap ?? No no no, just an ad for toys.
This rather sinister head sees all, so be carefull where you park.
Notice the sign above the door. Honestly !
The Ping river in Chiang Mai.
A cruise ship glides majestically down the Ping river.
This rather sinister head sees all, so be carefull where you park.
Notice the sign above the door. Honestly !
The Ping river in Chiang Mai.
A cruise ship glides majestically down the Ping river.
The birthday boy in his flash new Burmese silk shirt. Very smart.
Lighting the fuel for the Yi-peng lantern which will be sent into the night sky, ostensibly to rid me of all my cares and worries.
The lantern almost ready to go. These lanterns are sent up all over the country for any special reason and you can buy them at monk supply shops along with fireworks should you so desire. The lanterns send all your troubles and problems into the air. The most spectactular time of the year they can be seen is during the full moon festival in November where the sky is filled with thousands and thousands of lanterns. The other popular time is new years eve. You will have to wait for the next blog post to see the new year photos with the lanterns.
UP up and away.........................
Alan, Nic, Peter & Marie struggling to get through the feast which was laid on. There was still a Belgian chocolate cake to come, which was eaten completely !! 
This sign was just inside the gate of a school near us. Well, hopefully someone will get the message. For whom is it meant?
And just past the school is this colourful array of shops. There is catholic school a few doors up from this and a mosque a few doors down. We do live in an interesting part of town!
This is the original stupa marking the centre of Chiang Mai. The cultural centre is built right next to it.
The three kings monument in the centre of Chiang Mai. These three kings came together in the year 1250 to create the kingdom of Lan Na which took in Northern Thailand, Laos and part of Burma. Northerners here are like northerners everywhere in the world, different from the rest of the country. Fantastic.
Our apartment the day we moved in. Lovely 1970's brown furniture.
And again......
After a few weeks and with a splash of colour. The kitchen in the far corner only gets used to boil the kettle and for chopping fruit for breakfast or making lassis. Weird to think that we have not cooked since we left home in September. It's too cheap and tasty not to eat the street food.
Much better, can't do much about the brown chairs though.
This sign was just inside the gate of a school near us. Well, hopefully someone will get the message. For whom is it meant?
And just past the school is this colourful array of shops. There is catholic school a few doors up from this and a mosque a few doors down. We do live in an interesting part of town!
This is the original stupa marking the centre of Chiang Mai. The cultural centre is built right next to it.
The three kings monument in the centre of Chiang Mai. These three kings came together in the year 1250 to create the kingdom of Lan Na which took in Northern Thailand, Laos and part of Burma. Northerners here are like northerners everywhere in the world, different from the rest of the country. Fantastic.
Our apartment the day we moved in. Lovely 1970's brown furniture.
And again......
After a few weeks and with a splash of colour. The kitchen in the far corner only gets used to boil the kettle and for chopping fruit for breakfast or making lassis. Weird to think that we have not cooked since we left home in September. It's too cheap and tasty not to eat the street food.
Much better, can't do much about the brown chairs though.
Approaching a checkpoint where the Thai soldiers are looking for illegal Burmese as well as illegal drugs. "Just smile", said Marie and don't mention opium.
An impromptu performance with drumming and dancing. We think they may have been rehearsing for something.... but what? Either that or the local 'produce' was good!
An ox guarding a cemetery in the temple grounds at Chang Dao, and Mr B who coincidently is also an ox climbs the steps to see a Buddha statue.
An ox guarding a cemetery in the temple grounds at Chang Dao, and Mr B who coincidently is also an ox climbs the steps to see a Buddha statue.
Three interesting figures nonchalantly standing guard to the cave.
Experienced caver Marie Jazz-Blu, points in the direction of where she believes there are ancient cave paintings of tiramisu. Believe it or not.
Buddha in Wat Muen San in Chiang Mai. This temple has an interesting mix of Chinese and Thai styles.
One of the murals in Wat Chang Kong, depicting a shipwreck providing an easy meal for the crocodiles. Nasty. I do wish I knew what it all means. Shall have to brush up on my Thai - and Pali.
A Naga guarding the temple with a revered hermit in the background.
An atlas moth hanging around a tree.
Part of the cactus display in the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, just north of Chiang Mai. The botanical gardens are of 1000 hectares and serve as an ex situ conservation centre and reference collection for local and international scientists.
'Three Kuns in a fountain'. Marie, Alan & Peter try to throw coins onto a water lily leaf in the hope their wishes will be granted. I had some very nice icecream later on in the day, so their wish obviously came true !!
These Qld bottle trees were imported from Australia for a huge expo. They have since been relocated to the botanical gardens hence the rope holding them upright.
An atlas moth hanging around a tree.
Part of the cactus display in the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, just north of Chiang Mai. The botanical gardens are of 1000 hectares and serve as an ex situ conservation centre and reference collection for local and international scientists.
'Three Kuns in a fountain'. Marie, Alan & Peter try to throw coins onto a water lily leaf in the hope their wishes will be granted. I had some very nice icecream later on in the day, so their wish obviously came true !!
These Qld bottle trees were imported from Australia for a huge expo. They have since been relocated to the botanical gardens hence the rope holding them upright.
A large Ganesha at Wat Srisupan in Chiang Mai. Isn't he gorgeous? Couldn't fit him in the tuk tuk though. What a pity!
The silver wihaan at Wat Srisupan with a picture of The King looking on. The wihaan is not real silver but is still impressive.
A, about to strike the gong and disturbing the peace as is his want, sending his wishes to Buddha. Did his wish come true? You'll have to wait and see, though he says he DID feel the Earth move!!
Workers creating designs by hand into the concrete outside the soon to be monk ordination building at Wat Srisupan.
Hand beating the silver which will become a Naga decorating, and protecting the entrance the new building.
We were very fortunate to attend an alms giving ceremony in honour of The King's birthday on fathers day. The ceremony started at 6.00am and besides us and the crowd, there were 12,000 monks receiving alms. Normally non Thais and non Buddhists can only watch and are not allowed to participate, but a group of Thais next to us insisted we join in and gave us some of their food to present to the monks. A fabulous morning was had by all including the army who can be seen on their knees. Poor fellas had trouble getting up again though.
Monks receiving arms. Food items are placed into the monks bowls, without touching it with your hands. When the bowls are full, they are emptied into plastic bags and the whole process starts again. The army helps by taking these plastic bags back to the various temples.
After the ceremony everone gathers around for a chat.
This young chap was listening to other things before the ceremony got under way. The headphones are fluffy pink things with mickey mouse on the earpiece, a nice touch.
Sunrise from our balcony. Not a real good example but you get the point.
Our Burmese neighbours across the street with Wat Chaimongkon just to the left with the blue roof. The Ping river is just behind the Wat. These old teak buildings unfortunately may have to go to make way for a car park for the currently being built ' boutique hotel and spa ' next door.
Rickshaws are still being used in some parts around the inner city and always ridden by elderly gentlemen. When these blokes eventually go, the practice will probably die out as no-one is taking up this particular career. Motorbikes are faster and easier.
The silver wihaan at Wat Srisupan with a picture of The King looking on. The wihaan is not real silver but is still impressive.
A, about to strike the gong and disturbing the peace as is his want, sending his wishes to Buddha. Did his wish come true? You'll have to wait and see, though he says he DID feel the Earth move!!
Workers creating designs by hand into the concrete outside the soon to be monk ordination building at Wat Srisupan.
Hand beating the silver which will become a Naga decorating, and protecting the entrance the new building.
We were very fortunate to attend an alms giving ceremony in honour of The King's birthday on fathers day. The ceremony started at 6.00am and besides us and the crowd, there were 12,000 monks receiving alms. Normally non Thais and non Buddhists can only watch and are not allowed to participate, but a group of Thais next to us insisted we join in and gave us some of their food to present to the monks. A fabulous morning was had by all including the army who can be seen on their knees. Poor fellas had trouble getting up again though.
Monks receiving arms. Food items are placed into the monks bowls, without touching it with your hands. When the bowls are full, they are emptied into plastic bags and the whole process starts again. The army helps by taking these plastic bags back to the various temples.
After the ceremony everone gathers around for a chat.
This young chap was listening to other things before the ceremony got under way. The headphones are fluffy pink things with mickey mouse on the earpiece, a nice touch.
Sunrise from our balcony. Not a real good example but you get the point.
Our Burmese neighbours across the street with Wat Chaimongkon just to the left with the blue roof. The Ping river is just behind the Wat. These old teak buildings unfortunately may have to go to make way for a car park for the currently being built ' boutique hotel and spa ' next door.
Lets hope not. Shame you can't hear the constant noise from the building site! The Burmese singing though more than makes up for any noise.
Fang Guest House. No, not accommodation for a group of dentists. Those of you on the Gemfields will of course get another meaning for this sign.
Fang Guest House. No, not accommodation for a group of dentists. Those of you on the Gemfields will of course get another meaning for this sign.
Rickshaws are still being used in some parts around the inner city and always ridden by elderly gentlemen. When these blokes eventually go, the practice will probably die out as no-one is taking up this particular career. Motorbikes are faster and easier.
Stay tuned for the next thrilling enstallment of this blog as we celebrate New Year Chiang Mai style, visit marvelous laid back Luang Prapang in Laos, get chased by a gaggle of wild mushrooms and generally snap away at whatever is around us...................................
