Hillbilly's xmas vacation in Northern Thailand...

This was the plan. Me and my buddy along with family and friends were going to tour North-West Thailand over the xmas holidays. Let's see what happened. This tour group included 5 adults and 6 kids.:)

First everybody had decided to travel by train up to P-Lok, rent a van and then head to Chiang Mai. Let's get started!

But seeing how this is Thailand, the train was an hour late leaving.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5319.jpg

I wanted a close look at where we were going.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5322.jpg

We finally arrived in my shack outside of P-Lok for a one night stand. My buddy unlike me happens to be a professional photographer.
Fine Art Photography Abstracts
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5327.jpg

Also unlike me he helps with the kid's tents!
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5332.jpg

This should be a good read :)

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Originally Posted by hillbilly

Also unlike me he helps with the kid's tents!

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Well, if the bird in black was doing something in my garden, I'd be out there helping, too! :D

One can easily see that we began to have a problem when we entered CM. When the sign says 'No right turn' one must assume that is the law.

But not in Thailand. The wives were on the phone and the hotel said it was okay to turn right. Here you can see the police disagreed with the hotel directions. Luckily, my buddy was driving.:D
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5370.jpg

The wife suddenly realizes she can speak Thai.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5371.jpg

We have to go here to make our apologies.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5374.jpg

The CM traffic police hard at work.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5372.jpg

Finally, the wives get involved and I signed (he was babysitting the kids) for my buddy's mistake. It cost us B200 for no ID instead of the fine for B400 for a wrong turn. TIT!
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5373.jpg

The reason for the wrong turn? Please ask the gentle-lady on the right.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5375.jpg

Finally at the hotel.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5423.jpg

Good of you to drop in to see us Hilly.
:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Good of you to drop in to see us Hilly.
:rolleyes:

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With 6 kids, you did not want us to drop in...:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Good of you to drop in to see us Hilly.
:rolleyes:

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Yeah, What he said...

We quickly checked in and headed towards the Royal Flora expo.

It is amazing how English is advancing here in Thailand.

https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5380.jpg


Somehow I thought of the TD family during my tour.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5384.jpg

The fruit section was truly a delight as this couple shows.:)
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5388.jpg

Did you find the flora expo mind numbingly boring Hilly?

I did for the most part.

Since insects are everywhere, I thought this would be a good opportunity to teach the younger generation.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5389.jpg

The 'younger generation' was everywhere.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5391.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Did you find the flora expo mind numbingly boring Hilly?

I did for the most part.

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Yes, I did. Many exhibits and yet the same Thai flora.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5397.jpg

Where were the tulips?
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5399.jpg

Oh, but what I go through for the TD family. Just wait until we get in the hot tub. Yes, it is getting colder....
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5401.jpg

My relatives went there also and they saw condoms around trees, is it true?

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Originally Posted by Goddess of Whatever

My relatives went there also and they saw condoms around trees, is it true?

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cool, your relatives are into acid.
:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Goddess of Whatever

My relatives went there also and they saw condoms around trees, is it true?

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Don't know, we got tired after about 2 hours of walking...;)

I see, thanks.

We did managed to make our journey into the Royal display.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5406.jpg

Everyone it seemed was taking photos from the safety zone.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5411.jpg

We saw marching bands.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5415.jpg

Baton twirlers.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5417.jpg

And big tubas...
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5419.jpg

Luckily, the Thai police were on hand to control the unruly mob.
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5420.jpg

Now let's head on over to CM's night market for a bite to eat and hit a few shops up for those Thailand bargins.:)
https://teakdoor.com/Gallery/albums/u...l_DSCN5424.jpg

Hillbilly, as always this is a GREAT thread, pictures & commentary, you can never go wrong with that!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

Did you find the flora expo mind numbingly boring Hilly?

I did for the most part.

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The flower expo is famous in CM, is it a boring expo, or were you not into that type of stuff back in your home country?

I love flowers, plants & hugging trees. In America I like going to the arboretum & botanic garden, I can get lost in places like that! :)