Lovely

There are some very sweet women that I am traveling around in a pack with now!! Today we toured one of the major Wats in Chiang Mai, Doi Suthep.......funny, since for two of the women this is their first trip and they just got here, I am aware that the 2 weeks prior have given me just a bit of understanding that I do appreciate at this point............at least it is not ALL NEW......but one realizes that any journey into another culture is just the tip of the iceburg. The foods and smells might be more familiar but the signage and language are still quite a mystery.

We are travelling around with Lek, our guide, who is very good at explaining what we are seeing and easy to ask the questions one might be too shy to ask. The whole scene of the hilltribes is fascinating. Many are refugees, many who are not refugees are still without legal rights, and most all are discriminated against...therefore, is it cool to ask what tribe one is from? Can we claim foreign curiosity? Or is that one of the things you need to just wonder and not put someone on the spot?? Lek says it is okay to ask. We went to a Tribal Museum today that had LOTS of information, so much that it is hard to keep it all straight, but it is totally fascinating all the same.

Tomorrow we will tour another market and then head for Lampang and lunch with Richard Liar, who is a friend of Jami's and has worked with the Conservatory for years. We will go to the Elephant Hospital the next day before heading to the conservatory.............so the elephants are still a few days away, but the orientations is of course heading us in that direction. Last night Jami did a great job of pulling the 5 of us together and beginning our questions and journey toward this exciting time. I am glad to be here.

I have just tried to upload some pictures for you but for some reason, it is not taking it, and the explanation of why is all in Thai so I have to wait for Lek to come back and tell me what is going on. I think however, tonight I may set up a Picasas site with all the photos so you can just look at your leisure!! Oh well.