Pieces of the Day

Sawatdee! I finally got my official MUIC student ID today, which allows students to access the internet, library, printing, etc. Having this precious piece of plastic is about to make schoolwork a heck of a lot easier here in Thailand. On a different note, I have signed up, and am so excited to begin, the Mahidol buddy program. Buddy programs here, like in many other places, pair an international exchange student up with a local student to learn more about the cultures and lifestyles of others. More to come on who my buddy will be!

And now for something completely different! This upcoming weekend is the weekend I have been waiting for...Chiang Mai! While traveling along the northern part of Thailand, the CIS students and I will be spending our days taking care of elephants at the environmentally friendly, sustainable and elephant friendly program, Baan Chang Elephant Camp. Towards the end of the trip, we will have an early start from the guesthouse to the morning cooking class to learn about thai spices, food and desserts! Too bad they don't know I can't cook...On Sunday afternoon we will take a trip to some of the many local temples and explore the area of Chiang Mai. I can't wait to begin yet another journey here!

So lemme teach ya somethin' about Chiang Mai:

1. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second largest city, after Bangkok 2. The city centre of Chiang Mai is surrounded by a walled moat, known as the Old City. 3. Chiang Mai dates back to 1296, when it was founded as the new capital of the thriving Lanna Kingdom. 4. Chiang Mai means ‘New City’ 5. 80% of Chiang Mai is covered by mountains and vegetation 6. Chiang Mai is home to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain 7. In the 13th century, the name given to the North of Thailand meaning ‘Land of a Million Rice Fields’ which reflected the agricultural richness of the area.

8. Chiang Mai city area has over 300 Buddhist temples: Wat Prah That Doi Suthep is Chiang Mai’s most famous temple, sitting high on a hill it can be seen from all over Chiang Mai 9. Chiang Mai city sits along the Ping River 10. The area also has five major national parks and more than a dozen smaller ones.