Cave Exploration in Northern Thailand, at the Bang Mapra Tham Lot

   
     The cave at Bang Mapra is far more extensive than one would predict before entering it. This cave is close to one mile long, and is only accessible by floating downstream on a tiny rickety bamboo raft, with both a guide and raft-man.

    As we approached the cave, there was a back board set up in all its glory, as a wary hazard for first time spelunkers.

    This is Thailand, so we knew it could be rough, as we climbed aboard out small bamboo craft and drifted into the mouth of the cave.

    The original cavern is about 50-60 feet tall, and filled with both stalactites and stalagmites.

Bamboo rafts awaiting their riders.

Approaching the cave's mouth.

     The main cave has three offshoots, one to the right, which is easily manageable, and two off to the left, both of which are only accessible by climbing up a very tall, very straight ladder set all the way up to the top.

Here I am, on the raft as we entered the large cave.

 Thank you for looking, and please enjoy these pictures of teh Bang Mapra Cave in all its splendor

Elephant Day in Thailand, 2013: at the Mae Sa Elephant Camp, Chiang Mai, and Elephant Painting

     I was invited by a friend to drive from Chiang Mai for 40 kilometers, to see the Elephant camp at Mae Sa. I did not realize that it was Thailand's National Elephant day. It was a truly nationwide phenomenon, and I was at the heart of the Celebrations to prise the beloved Thai elephant. The Thai news teams were there, as was the Governor of Chiang Mai and many "VIPs." 

    Following a procession of over 75 elephants from giant tusked beasts, to small toddlers, they walked down the hill together and ate side by side. Over 75 elephants ate together in a Buffet for the revered animals on this auspicious day. Please look at my pictures, and watch the videos, because there is no other way to visualize the unique day of elephant pampering and respect.


This Elephant had the largest and most heavy looking Tusks. He was beautiful.



   All of the elephants marched in together, stood side by side, and then ate until all of the food you see was gone. What a spectacular event. The elephants were sure treated to a special day, as was the crowd. You have to open the video below. I will upload the video once my Internet is faster.

      In addition to the most enormous buffet there has ever been on the face of this planet, the elephant camp offered guests to watch highly choreographed traditional Thai dancing. There were also a few short plays, and some elegantly dressed male and female dancers. All visitors were allowed to enter and participate for free. I was happy to see so many kids having a special day, and get away from their regular less exciting routine.

Chiang Mai Thailand Chinese New Year 2013

I was at Chiang Mai Thailand's Chinese New Year
celebrations.

It was quite the event, although I was most interested in the Chinese food, with vendors selling snacks and grilled meats. I ate some delicious pastries, and had a few tasty Thai iced teas.



The crowd was in good spirits, and everyone was there to have fun, eat food, meet new people, and walk around for a few hours.



The Celebrations were held a Warorat market, where the street was closed to traffic, to accommodate the hoards of New Year onlookers.

Mussle omelets with bean sprouts, onionc, garlic and scallions..

Pad Thai, with whole Shrimp.

Here is Ploy, as she picks out the dumplings.