Treasures of Thailand

April 17, 2025

Chiang Rei Farmers Market awaits our arrival in the back of what reminded me of a paddy wagon I rode in to the police station in Columbus, Ohio when I was sixteen years of age. Somewhat like Arlo Guthrie, I was arrested for going the wrong way on a one-way-street. This time was better because not only was the backdoor not locked, there was no back door or handcuffs.

Chiang Rai Market inside.

Shopping with our chef at the market with jackfruit, bananas and pineapple shown above. The most unusual food item we have ever seen at a market was ant eggs. Our chef told us he occasionally includes them in omelets. A few ants can remain with the eggs in the omelet and they taste a bit sour. I failed to get a photo. We purchased food at market for our cooking class.

Farmer's motorbike with sidecar for carrying items to be sold at market.

Monk at the market accepting offerings and then praying for those who offer.

On our way back to the resort, we stopped for breakfast with a local farmer who converted part of the outdoor portion of his home to a small cafe to share his family life with tourists. We passed by their semi-outdoor living room and outdoor kitchen to a table in the garden next to the chickens.

Next, was our cooking class for making coconut soup and pad thai.

Hey Good Lookin, Watcha Got Cookin?

How's about cookin somethin up with me?

Elephant walk blue denim outfits .

Elephants are my favorite animal. They live communal lives, develop close friendships, are extremely intelligent, communicate with each other and humans and grieve their dead. It was an awesome experience to touch and feed them as well as feel the presence of these magnificent creatures. Our guide told us about elephant robbers. Roads were constructed in the national forests where wild elephants are protected. Farmers use these roads to transport produce to market. The wild elephants in these areas have discovered sugar cane on the farms which has become a special treat which they cannot resist. Occasionally, when the elephants become aware of a farmer transporting sugar cane on the road, they will stop and surround the farmer's truck and steal the sugar cane.

Elephants have beautiful eyelashes. They grow a new set of teeth every ten years for sixty years. In the wild, when their last set of teeth expire, they starve to death. Isn't she beautiful?

This incredible day ended with a special dinner featuring traditional Thai dancers.

I'm a lucky man to be surrounded by beautiful women with the one who has loved me for fifty three years still by my side.

Thailand has been a wonderful experience. Prior to reaching Southeast Asia, we have seen wondrous beauty, participated in unique events and gained insight to different cultures. However, Thailand is totally different from our previous encounters. The music, food and culture are alluring, captivating and charming. The people of Thailand are an extension of Buddhist belief. They are so very humble and kind.

Ten years ago, Tim McGraw released a song called Humble and Kind. Part of it is shown below;