The Big Catch Up (Part 3): Thaliand Part 2!

Now that's a confusing title. The third part of my catch up is about our second trip to Thailand. This time we spent a few days in Bangkok and a few in Chaing Mai.

I know its going to sound very geeky, but I have to start by talking about the movie theater. Thailand has what are known as 'luxury movie theaters'. When you reach the theater (which makes the Zigfeld look like a dive), you purchase a luxury seat instead of a regular seat (which comes to about $15-$20 USD). Before the movie begins, you're taken to the VIP lounge where you are given a complimentary drink (just a soda) and can relax in luxury before the movie begins. When the film is about to start, you're led into the theater, to your huge leather recliner. The attendant then puts a fluffy little pillow behind your head and a blanket over you, and places your drink and popcorn by your seat. They then press the little button that makes the seat go back. Its all a little excessive for a screening of "Resident Evil 3!"

... and yet worth every cent.

In Chaing Mai, Kim and I got to spend an afternoon with our friend Chris and his wife Neng, who convinced us that if we don't one day retire in Thailand, we need to at least have a winter house there. What? It could happen.

Although I thought it would be a cheesy diversion, one of the high points there for us was the visit to one of the Elephant camps. You can feed the elephants, watch them bathe in the river, and then go see the elephant show. The elephant show is quite amazing. They play soccer, dance, move stuff around with their trunks... and paint. Let me say that again- the elephants paint. The trainers stick the brushes in their trunks (it doesn't look that comfortable, painting with your nose, but the elephants don't seem to mind. Theres actually a whole gallery there of elephant art, and some of its quite nice. I'll write more about that later (it will make a good post for my art ed blog- is it still art if its made by an elephant?)

Otherwise, Chaing Mai is a gorgeous town with lovely people and hundreds of temples. We only got to see a few in our short stay, but they were beautiful indeed. You can see some more of our pictures here.