OP KHAN IS GORGES

 

Hahaha.  A bit out of order here, but spent a great, lazy, relaxed Saturday last weekend with a group of friends new and old at Op Khan National Park.  The park is about 30 minutes south of Chiang Mai, and known for its gorges and swimmable river. 

 This being the cool season (certainly a relative term), the water was brisk and refreshing. This didn't stop Ren and Eam from spending hours in and around the river.

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ZOO

 The zoo!  Finally made it this time around, even though we live two minutes from the secret back entrance (where, after a very brief language test, we entered with 'resident'-priced tickets ;) Above, we kicked off the fun last Monday (Makha Bucha day - a holiday) with a family selfie on the walkway over the deer park.

The Chiang Mai Zoo is laid out in a large loop, a road that climbs up the base of Doi Suthep, with different animal 'zones' scattered throughout the loop.  The big bonus of this layout is that you can hop in your car (or zoo shuttle) between zones, then hop out to walk amongst the animal exhibits.

 Or stop to grab an ice cream.

Another bonus is that for a nominal donation, you can feed many of the animals - during the day, we offered veggies to deer, elephants, giraffes (above, Ren shows us how), and - perhaps the highlight of the day - these amazing hippos.

FLAG TIME

School days get off to a patriotic start each morning at Panyaden, as all the classes circle the flag to sing the Thai national anthem, accompanied by student musicians. 

Finally had the chance to take a video - chaiyo!

SPORTS DAY!

This butterfly returned with tired wings after the much anticipated, school-wide Sports Day at Panyaden.  Ren's avid training in the weeks leading up to the big day paid dividends, with third-place finishes in sprinting and cross-country races. 

Fee got in on the action as well, scoring a goal (or basket?) in the parents vs. teachers chair ball match.  And Eamonn jumped and slid and climbed in the activities setup for the younger kiddos.  And dad book-ended his sports day with zumba and extensive snacking ;)   

OUT WITH A BANG

We learned something last week - if you want alot of folks at your funeral, the promise of fireworks and a 30-foot tall funeral pyre in the shape of a winged-elephant can't hurt your chances.  It also helps to be the venerated, head monk of Chiang Mai - who spent over 70 years in robes.   

 Seeking spiritual spectacle, and expecting crowds (and limited parking), the public transit-lovers pictured above hopped a songtaew - the red pickups whose two benches in a covered cab gives its name - and zipped down Suthep Road to Wat Suan Dok.

 On the wat grounds we found this curious creature, along with a general buzz of expectation.  A full percussion ensemble and host of chanting monks helped gird the winged elephant - apparently, the only bird that can fly to heaven - for its sacred duty.

As night fell, a troupe of dancing angels (seen in prep above) took center stage, much to Eamonn's delight.  Eam was less keen on the noisy fireworks, and he and dad retreated to a quieter remove.  Mom and Ren stayed close enough to feel the glow of the funeral pyre, and both noted the wind that swept through just after the presiding monk finished prayers to send the spirit off. 

There were a gaggle of photographers and videographers in attendance, so quick youtube search yielded this video.  Yes, that is an angel flying down from nearby tree to set alight the monks name in fireworks - now that's how you start a funeral ;)