Today’s drive is simply stunning. I don’t know how else to describe it. Today takes us off the map rather than just off the beaten track. Unfortunately the road was very bumpy and had many potholes so photographing the beauty was difficult.
Cute little handle on the watermelon slice.
Orchids in the trees Elaine.
One last view outside our bungalow
Saying goodbye to Belle Villa
The Pai airport. Pai is a party town where you can buy cannabis and smoke it freely, even though many signs say not to.
The Pai River
Leaving Pai behind we’re immediately deep into the countryside heading along tiny mountain roads on our journey back South to where the adventure all started, Mae Wang.
There are literally thousands of curves in the roads. Apparently they’ve been counted and the numbers are on signs, t-shirts and all sorts of memorabilia.
OA stopped to buy eggs for us to boil at the hot springs
It’s 180 km of pure magic – random hot springs (and boiled eggs
Our eggs are in to boil
Tying eggs onto the pole
Our eggs are done.
Time to eat our eggs
Shameplant flower
Mimosa pudica is a creeping annual or perennial flowering plant of the pea/ legume family Fabaceae. It is often grown for its curiosity value: the sensitive compound leaves quickly fold inward and droop when touched or shaken and re-open a few minutes later.
For this reason, this species is commonly cited as an example of rapid plant movement. Like a number of other plant species, it undergoes changes in leaf orientation termed "sleep" or nyctinastic movement.
Donning scarves to walk in the temple area
There is a celebration of the new year for the Karen Hill Tribe villages today.
People were lined up to receive a blessing and hundreds of others were sitting and bowing in prayer.
Not really sure what this is but it does not look good.
Snacking on peanuts we got from the peanut factory a couple of days ago.
A few of the potholes and torn up pavement we’ve encountered.
Yes, I braved it and swung over the abyss. It is quite a sensation when you swing out over nothing but the view is simply indescribable!
Walking out on this platform was much scarier than the swing. The boards were so weak and loose.
Simply stunning!
Privacy is not a thing here.
A wee bit bouncy
Road works everywhere, not just in Texas.
Dodging potholes
Stopped here for lunch
Minced pork with holy basil. I think my mouth is still burning.
Went to the “toilet”, came out and he scared me as much as I scared him. He struck out a bit and recoiled. Yuth said he was not venomous or aggressive.
It might be bumpy but we are stretched out with our feet propped up tucked into our comforters.
A giant Buddha head appearing out of the forest
Thailand’s very own Rio de Janeiro.
“Love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12
The Thung Luang Royal Project Development Center is a key part of Thailand's Royal Project, initiated by the late Princess Mother, focused on sustainable highland development, replacing opium with high-value crops like coffee and tea, and improving ethnic minority livelihoods in Chiang Mai's Mae Wang District through agriculture, education, and cultural respect, serving as a learning center for sustainable practices.
Murraya Siamensis
After dinner, Yuth pulled this herb out of the salad dish and said rub it and smell it and taste it. It smelled like licorice. Known for its culinary use and recognized for its therapeutic potential in treating conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and inflammation, as well as its antimicrobial activity, making it valuable in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
The stems are also chewing sticks for oral hygiene and for the treatment of toothaches.
We all received certificates as adventurers. And said the final goodbyes to our Tuk Tuks. What wonderful little machines they are at carrying all our belongings, managing the rough roads and climbing up and down the hills. It was a sad farewell. The stems are also chewing sticks for oral hygiene and for the treatment of toothaches.
Tomorrow we are loading into the minivan, heading back to Chiang Mai for two more days of adventure before the loooong flight hone.
The Birth of A King
Three years ago, Jo Anne and I were in England when the world paused at the news that Queen Elizabeth II had died. It was an incredibly significant moment for the nation of England and the many countries of the Commonwealth. What surprised me was that in a quiet, understated way, in the middle of the grief and mourning, a new monarch was crowned. It wasn’t the time for a large coronation or a royal parade, but seemingly overnight, there was a new king.
Since the time of David and Solomon, Israel had been waiting and praying for a king. The prophets of old spoke of a time when a new king would come and the kingdom would be established. Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s house being established in the last days, above the hills, on top of the mountains. The description is of a kingdom that sits above all others in greatness, a kingdom of fruitfulness and peace (Isaiah 2:2–4).
When Jesus was born, the king over Judea was Herod, appointed by Rome and wary of anyone else who had a claim to the throne. When he was told that the wise men from the east sought the one “who has been born king of the Jews,” he was very interested. Being told by the priests and scribes that the Messiah (anointed one) would be born in Bethlehem, Herod sent the wise men there to investigate for him. Finding the child, they worshiped Him and presented Him with gifts fit for a king, and then being warned by an angel, they left without telling Herod who they had found. (Matthew 2:1–12).
Enraged, Herod commanded the execution of all infants that could possibly have been the promised heir to the throne. And the prophecy of Jeremiah was fulfilled, a time of “weeping and great mourning” (Matthew 2:13–18). Can you imagine? Despite Herod’s efforts, the child-king Jesus escaped—“there is hope for your future” (Jeremiah 31:15–17)! Just a child, yet born to be King.
But Jesus is not simply heir to an earthly throne. He is not just potentially a future king. The writer of Hebrews identifies Jesus as God’s Son (Hebrews 1:1–3)—the heir of all things, Creator of the universe, the radiance of God’s glory, the exact expression of God’s nature and the One who sustains all things. He is the King who sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, worthy of all worship and praise.
During this time of Advent, we focus on an infant boy, born in a manger in a stable, born in poverty and humility. But don’t leave Him in that manger, for Christmas is not just the birth of a child, it is the birth of hope, the birth of our King!
Oh how beautiful the country side is. The clouds are amazing. The food is interesting, I would like to try much of it but I agree with you, those funny looking things don’t look appetizing. Praying you two safely home.
ReplyDeleteCarol, what an amazing blog, thanks for including me. Swinging out over the abyss!! The scenery was awesome. Enjoy the rest of your trip and hurry back to Texas. Love and miss you
ReplyDeleteVicki
I found myself saying “wow!” repeatedly. The pictures were breathtaking enough; I can only imagine adding in depth, dimension, smells, sounds, and the experience of the environment on the skin taking it all in. Just beautiful. I think I could learn a thing or two or maybe ten about gardening from them. I had so many questions I’d like to ask them as your were zipping past the fields.
ReplyDeleteThinking about this anointed child who was born not just a king but THE KING in contrast to the Buddha dominated but a little bit of Jesus mixed in area you are in. This King not only deserves our undiluted & undivided worship, He demands it. But what a privilege to worship this King! For no one can come to Him unless the Spirit draws him. May our worship be pure and sincere.