An amazing adventure

Last week, we (Pi Pound, John's Mom (Diane), the boys and I) took the most amazing little trip (total of 8 hours driving and 4 by boat over 4 days). It was to the north of Chiang Mai

First we drove straight north and with a stop off at the caves we've often gone to we ended up in Thaton which is a town on the Kok River. Our guesthouse was right across from a tube rental spot so we went swimming in the river twice. It was perfect for the kids - sandy and shallow and safe.



Our guesthouse had two fish ponds and the boys got to feed them in the morning

The next day we took a public longboat ferry to Pi Pound's home village Kok Noi- 2 hours down the river.



Kok Noi was so lovely- we stayed at Pi Pound's brothers house and her parents came down from the village they've lived in for the past two years (where we went in Nov)

This is the view from Pi Pound's brother's place (which is built on the land her parents had when she was growing up)


These are Pi Pound's parents- Jeff and Sam love Apu and Api lots too

Here's a sunrise pic from the next morning
And a view from a walk we took

The temporary structures being built in front of us were for an annual yellow Lahu festival which is this weekend.

Riding in the pickup

Snuggling with Apu

Jeff adores these sticky rice treats that Api makes but it's killer to clean up




Both boys passed out on the way back







Next we drove up to a Chinese village called Mae Salong which had such amazing views (and it wasn't even a clear day- I can't wait to go back in June). I figure there are at least 2 1/2 hours driving of spectacular views so just the drive is an event

In the morning we went on a little pony ride

Then we drove to the Queen Mother's gardens- another spectacular drive. We had to wear funny pants when visiting the Royal Villa, but we had a good time at the villa, museum on the royal family and the gardens











On the way back to Chiang Mai, we went through the town that Pi Pound dormed in for high school (a Korean family sponsored her to live in a town with a high school). We ate at this amazing noodle place she used to go to.

All in all, in was an awesome trip and one I'll gladly repeat with any visitors that come our way :-)