Why bother?

Ok, my "travels through asia" are quickly becoming a joke. Should probably re-name this blog "adventures at the Elephant Nature Park". It's probably not going to come to a huge surprise to anyone when I say I'm in Chiang Mai right now, but am heading back to the park tomorrow for another 8 days. But THIS IS IT, I PROMISE! :) I've booked a train for next wednesday night, so I have no choice but to spend my last week in Cambodia. I'll have just over a week to see Angkor Wat, so that should be enough. I'm skipping the beach, but that can be seen some other time.

Arrived back in Chiang Mai Sunday night after a tearful farewell at the park (at this point, I was quite sure that was it). Spent Monday sightseeing around the city with Katerina from Kazakhstan and Christina from England (we met at the park). Rented bikes & explored the old city (surrounded by a moat & wall). That evening, the three of us went out for dinner & spent about 3 hours talking about the park. In the end, Katerina and I both decided we really wanted to head back (Christina's going back at the end of the month), so this morning, we went to the office & signed on for a while longer.

It's currently the Loi Krothong festival, which is essentially a light/lantern festival. The sky is absolutely FULL of these meter tall paper lanterns that float WAYYYYY up (they have a little candle in them that creates the hot air). You can buy them for about $1.50, and as you release it, you make a wish. Tonight's the day before the full moon, so there aren't any stars visible, but with all the lanterns in the sky, it looks like a starry night. It's absolutely gorgeous. Wish my camera was good enough to take a picture... If I get a good picture, I'll be sure to post it on my flickr page (see the "my travel pictures" link).

Anyhoo, I'll be sure to keep you updated once I finally leave those pachyderms! ;)