Another Busy Week in Chiang Mai, Thailand

As well as taking part in two water aerobics classes and going to three choir practices, I have shopped with Margaret, attended three concerts, trekked on the mountain twice, visited an Elephant Conservation Centre and, of course, dined out frequently.

The concerts were fun. The first was a potted version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, performed by a group of home-schooled students as part of their drama credits. The second was an excellent performance of ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ by the students of the American Pacific International School; and the third was a very fine recital by Book Kitavadhana, a Thai baritone, at the Payap University.

For our first mountain trek, we were joined by four others. Harry had assured us that the route was fairly flat and wouldn’t involve any up-hill work. Harry’s ‘flat’ and mine differ somewhat in interpretation. My flat is Norfolk Broads flat, Harry’s is anything that is not vertical – so long steep inclines are in!

For the second trek, David and Harry climbed from the bottom to the top of the Doi Pui mountain (1,685 m), while Margaret, Glynn and I drove to the top to collect them!

The Elephant Conservation Centre was set up to look after sick and unwanted elephants after the cessation of logging activities in Thailand. When this ended, many elephants were left uncared for as there was no longer a role for them and their owners could no longer afford to feed them.

We visited the elephant hospital where elephants are nursed back to health, and the nursery for elephants with babies, before watching the bathing of the elephants, followed by a demonstration of their skills. We found the elephants very entertaining, but the most amazing thing to see was the elephant that painted a picture. I was very impressed by the end result (see last photo).

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Chiang Mai. We had a wonderful time there, thanks to Glynn’s efforts to show us as much as possible. He has been a wonderful host, and, together with Margaret and Harry, has made every moment memorable.

Now we are in Bangkok and are following the nail-biting suspense of the Zimbabwe Elections. I can only think that the MDC must have won by a landslide for ZanuPF to have to admit that they haven’t won outright! Aluta continua!