After an amazing morning elephant training and trekking yesterday, we had an outing in the afternoon to visit the golden triangle, a local village market, and a centuries old temple.

The one thing i want to add to ricks post yesterday about our experience with the elephants is that their names were Boon Maa and Thong Kam.

We met T, our guide, at the pier. Whenever we leave camp we have to go by boat ad that is the only way to get in and out of camp. The river that runs along the resort is the Ruak river. This connects to the Mekong river about 5 min long tail boat ride from camp. The Mekong river is the tenth largest in the world and runs through six countries in Asia. T took us to the exact spot on the Mekong, only 10 mins boat ride or so, where the Golden triangle is. The place Thailand, Laos, and Burma meet.

We then rode the boat to the main village where we took a Tuk Tuk ride to the local market. The local market is essentially their grocery store. The majority of product is locally produced and people come daily, sometimes twice a day to buy the freshest ingredients to cook for their families. But this wasn't a traditional grocery store. They had frogs, turtles, fried crickets, eel, and all sorts of other foreign ingredients. I dared Rick to try a fried cricket but he wasn't into it. There was also some amazing looking produce, fish, and various herbs, chilis, rice, and other local flavors that I would have a field day with if I could come here to prepares big meal. The locals were so friendly and they were getting a kick out of our iPad. We took a pic with a few of them and let them try out the iPad for size. Because I couldn't buy any food, I wanted to find some other gems that I could bring home. I found a bamboo steamer that I bought for only 30 baht/$1. I was stoked as I've been using a pretty unconventional method for steaming at home to date. We also found a soup ladle made of bamboo that I guess is silly being I have an all clad ladle that more than suffices for ladling, but it's mire the idea.

Next we went to the local temple which was built in the 1200s. A few things I've learned about temples in my visit. No shoes, trousers or full length skirt required, need sleeves, and temples are open to their worshipers at all time. Here T taught us a lot about Buddhism and Rick and I both find the religion fascinating. I think Buddhism more than a religion is really a philosophy and a way of life for the people that practice it. It seems to be driven by values, a keen understanding of oneself, and commitment. All buddhist men are required to serve as monks for 3 months prior to marriage. A man isn't really considered a man until he does this. This requires them living at the temple and serving the Buddhist community. Monks can't cook for themselves, they actually follow 227 (I think) rules that being one of them, so they rely on their community for offerings. There was a monk at the temple we were at and T had him bless us with holy water and put a string on our wrists that blessed us with health, wealth, and long life. We need to wear it for at least 3 days. It was a really educational and interesting experience.

Last night we went to Burma Bar and saw the most unbelievable sunset. So pretty with the hills in the background and reflection off of the river. Then off to another memorable dinner. I had such a sound sleep to the sound of the outdoors and a huge thunder and lightening storm. I never thought the outdoor experience could deliver such an amazing night sleep.

Today we are hiking the Doi Sa Ngo trail to see hill tribe villages and an amazing view of the Golden Triangle from the top. Next off to see baby elephant Lycky who is 1 years old and still with his mom. Then we have a 2 hr massage this afternoon with MeeMee, the instructor who we did yoga with yesterday am (1,2,3,4,5....how do you feel?). Had to be there. And for our last night, a sunset cruise on the Mekong with my love.