Cycle Training: Chaing Mai-Chaing Rai

Chaing Mai is such a fun place, it was hard to have to leave every morning for training because all I wanted to do was explore. I guess it made me feel very much at home (Seattle), with lots of organic eateries, small cafe's, and interesting artwork. Most of the people who visit Chaing Mai really like it, as its completely chill and has a slow vibe. The ride to Chaing Rai was about 100 miles ish...and of course it was another hot day. Chaing Rai is similar to Chaing Mai, but much much smaller. I would not recommend staying here for too long..I only stayed about one night...Chaing Rai is known for its white temple. As you know, pictures don't even capture what its like being there!

I also got to be a tourist for a day! So guess what I did...I went to visit some elephants! Elephants are so smart! I was shocked at how they could be trained to do so many things on command. I also got to see elephants paint...they are much better then me thats for sure! I look hideous, but I don't care..I was riding a bike in the heat for a 100 miles..

We even got to ride the elephants! Even though playing with the elephants, I felt bad they couldn't be free in the jungles of Thailand. There were like 50 elephants living in this elephant park, some of them show elephants and some of them were the ones tourists got to ride. I hope they are treated properly. 

The same day I also got to visit a tribe in Thailand that originally migrated during the war from Burma. They are known as the Karen Hillside tribe and famous for having rings around their necks. I was told that they allow visiters and can except donations from them because the land they live on is owned by the Thailand government, not the tribes. Thailand uses the tribe folks to earn money from tourism. Its kind of unfortunate, and I felt kind of guilty being there and taking photos. 

This kid was freaking cute and I would have adopted him in a heart beat if I could!