สวัสดี ครับ!

Google says that means hello. You’ll hear people say that Thailand is extremely friendly and welcoming, and I certainly found that to be true. I understood it right away when several employees of the Bangkok airport assisted my avoidance of death via food poisoning for several hours. And after that people were pretty great, too.

I spent a few days on an island called Koh Phi Phi, but the real fun is found in the north. Chiang Mai is a must visit – especially if you’re meeting a bunch of cool friends there to retreat and recharge in the Word together. Also I took a cooking class, and the things I learned actually followed me back to China! For me that is big! Thanks, Thailand. You’re a place to come back to.

 

Koh Phi Phi

Fresh fruit smoothies aaaaall day

One day I hiked up the taller of the island’s two mountain peaks for the sunset. Only later did I realize that there was a much easier path I could’ve taken… The view was still worth it.

 

Retreat in Chiang Mai

I’m quite honored to be counted in this group of inspiring, adventurous believers.

 

Chiang Mai

The breezy spaces in this Airbnb were top notch.

 

Thai Cooking Class

The day began with a trip to a small wet market, which was highly educational!

Best part of the wet market – seeing how coconut milk is produced fresh daily.

First dish – Tom Kha Gai

Papaya Salad

Green Curry

Stir-fried Curry Prawns (OMG SO GOOD.)

And finally – Mango Sticky Rice, of course

The next day didn’t go as planned, which provided for some excellent aimless wandering on motorbikes. It’s always best to travel with people who aren’t deterred by stuff getting messed up.

This cafe looked super Korean and also like a real live pinterest board, I think.

Hey look – these are my roommates!

Chiang Rai – Wat Rong Khun

The White Temple is part temple and part art installation. To my knowledge there is no place like it anywhere else in the world of Thai temples.

On the ground leading up to the temple are many hands. They are supposed to be reaching out from the depths of suffering.

The facade is beautiful, but the inside back wall of the temple is really the interesting part. You’ll just have to go see it for yourself.