It seems hard to believe, but we have been living in Chiang Mai for about 3 months already. Time flies when you are living the good life! We take lots of walks and scooter rides as well as eating fabulous food. What could be better?
Since we are here for more than 90 days, we were required to get our Thai driver’s licenses. The process was simpler than it might have been because we both have motorcycle endorsements and International Driver’s Permits so essentially, we had to fill out tons of paperwork (thanks, Thai Assist Visa!), get a medical clearance (got weighed, height measured, and blood pressure taken), and then spent a fair amount of time having our documents checked, rechecked repeatedly (at least by 3 different people) at the Department of Land Transport, were tested for color blindness (but no vision check), paid a nominal fee, and had our pictures taken for our licenses. We are now legal to drive (both car and motorcycle) in Thailand for two years. After two years have passed, we get to do it all over again, but then will receive a “permanent” license for five years. The fact that there is no eye test whatsoever is kind of frightening…
This post is primarily photos of things that caught my eye during our many walks around town; things that are dramatically different than what we normally see at home in Seattle. I revisited the Silver Temple, attended the Chiang Mai Flower Festival and parade, and took pictures of things I found interesting.
We will be taking the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok in early March, and from there will be taking the train to Kanchanaburi to view the Death Railway and Hellfire Pass. Look for a new post then!
The Silver Temple
Rumor has it that there are UFOs pictured here, but I will never knowYou never know what you will find here!Not everything here is silverMaking merit is a big deal here. Apparently, the translation is now accurate and should say loved ones rather than lovers.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
Flower Festival Parade
There was a large group of Lady Boys on paradeThis was my favorite lady boy; lots of attitude. Someone asked if it was George Santos, LOL!
This and That Around Town
Cannabis chic!Marijuana tourism is a “budding” businesss here. Kudos to whoever named this one!Should be the Peter Griffin Dispensary with this imageNot sure about item #1A week later, they changed the sign. SO much better!Oh, yes, the Chocolate King promotion at BK! Chocolate on both the burger AND fries. What could be tastier?Pork wings? Apparently, here in Thailand, pigs can fly!Clayton is getting into the spirit of things. Ronald is all over town.Ronald wanted to know if his pants made his butt look bigA funeral going down one of the main streets. Notice that everyone is holding the rope that pulls the casket.Simply stunning casket!It’s amazing that they drive these huge tour buses down the sois (side streets) causing traffic jams.Rock on, my dudes! I have seen \other buses that have the entire front end covered in speakers.Why a picture of an elecrical box on the corner of a street?Because I’ve never seen anyone charge their phone using one!Is the middle cow dead?We see these two around town frequently. She pushes, he does NOT pedal the bike at all, just beeps the clown horn to attract customers.Fabulaous buffet restaurant that friends took me to for lunchWe were the only non-Thai people there – a sure sign of good food!There were several types of noodles and then lots of different curries and soups to top them with.Old classic trucks on the parking lotMary Jo and I after a fabulous meal
travelswithheather 
I always look forward to your posts. Thank you so much for sharing.
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Thank you, Candace!
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Looks like you are having a great time.
Love reading about your adventures.
Cecilia
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