Savvy Travels: April 2015

Baan King Kaew Orphange

A couple weeks ago, as I mentioned in a previous post, the smog of the city was smothering. As the hazy conditions were approaching an overwhelming climax, however, the planet responded with exactly what the land had been praying for: rain. For 3 days in a row, we were blessed with the tears of the clouds as they wept for the beauty the smoke had been hiding for itself.

My twin brother arrived in Chiang Mai the day after that cathartic storms. My Grandma Barbie, momma, and little brother arrived the following day. To their immense fortune, the timing of their trip gifted them with the best weather we have had in months. So far we have explored the city a bit, visited a sticky waterfall and impressive Buddhist cave alter, and played with elephants. Tomorrow we are going to Tiger Kingdom and I am super eager to pet some large cats! Then, on Sunday we will enjoy a morning roaming my territory and having a farewell Easter brunch. It has been so amazing having my family here! I am lucky to be able to share this with the kin.

As my spring semester in Chiang Mai is coming to a close, I am struck with the sobering realization that my time in Thailand will indeed end. I have been so blessed to spend this time in an amazing city with such cool and kind people and experiences. Academically, this has been the easiest year of my life but I have learned so much more than ever before. As I have 5 undoubtably busy weeks ahead before I depart Thailand, I thought I would give a picture summary of the first few months of the year. Most of these pictures were taken with my film camera that my gracious friend Charley gave to me. These photos represent December 2014 - February 2015. I will have more photos to share soon as my last roll of film is being developed now!

After my semester ends, I embark on my first extended backpacking adventure. I will begin my journey May 9, traveling north to Chiang Rai, Thailand, where I will then get on a slow boat and head to Luang Prabang, Laos. The cruise will take us through the Mekong River over a period of two days. I will spend a week or two in Laos before I head to Hanoi, Vietnam over land. From there I will have until July 3 to return to Chiang Mai for my flight back to New Jersey. I plan to travel from Hanoi to Saigon taking however long and perhaps spending a bit more time in the south of Thailand and Chiang Mai before I return to the States just in time for America's birthday!

Thank you for taking the time to read and scroll through the pictures!