restday Chiang Rai: temple visits

December 4, 2016

A rest day. Means we don't get up early to cycle, but still we wake up early.

Then the search for breakfast. The Guesthouse offers breakfast but we decide to look further finding a coffee shop open down the street. A nice American breakfast with eggs, ham and toast, and a strawberry pancake, accompanied by good cups of Coffee.

The main attraction for today is to see the White Temple. Patrick got instructions to the bus station but we had a bit of a problem finding it but finally arrange a ride in a blue songthaew. A songthaew literally means "two rows" is a pick-up truck converted to a passenger vehicle with two benches in the rear that face each other.

We wander around the White Temple, and let the pictures tell the story. We find a ride back to Chiang Rai bus station and walk back to the guesthouse area for lunch of pad Thai. After resting a bit mid afternoon we explore two more temples. One has a replica emerald Buddha, the original is now in Bangkok.

For dinner we return the Hungry Wolf's for another burger and lasagna. Highly recommend this place food is excellent and service well done! When paying our bill the Australian owner said he'd gone through 60 people to get this team and level of service.

Tomorrow back on the road and two days to Chiang Mai. We are anxious to meet the warmshowers hosts, Katie and Jared Mitchell.

As seen in Chiang Rai. One pooch wearing the "cone of shame", the other a diaper. We're not sure which one is more embarrassing, but is obvious these animals are cared for.

The White Temple, about 10km south of Chiang Rai. A bit over-the-top, but still an impressive project by a Thai artist.

Rachel dedicates a good-luck charm. A cousin of this one will end up in our garden somewhere.

A modern Buddhist Temple under construction.

Tough life for a dog. I'm sure this one would be much happier "on the river". Dad is texting with his broker.

Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai.

Teak building in beautiful gardens at Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai.

Rachel is having lasagna and a green salad at the "Hungry Wolf"

Look at this beauty! Jo, if you are still watching, that is real bacon sticking out!

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