Chiang Mai Day 2 part 2

For lunch we went to the Tiger Kingdom. This was not part of the original plan, but a great Stop. We're we are lunch next to some tigers. Then we got into the cage with them and took some photos. I was a little unsure about how large a cat they were, but I kept telling myself it was just a Big Degas. 

First we got into the cage with 8 mth old cats. I was too scared to remember to take a picture with my camera. 

If you notice a big girl- only 18 mths old is sitting right in front of the door. 

Here you can see how big they are- the trainer said he is just a kitten. 

And this is how you move a tiger from in front of the door. 

Bill got some great shots. He was not scared. This boy was rather interested in the people near him and would look back at who was petting him. 

Notice the apprehension in my face. I was not comfortable with him moving around so much. The trainer kept saying it was fine, but I was not really sure. I can't get up and down off the ground real quick, and we had seen a trainer walk by with a hurt finger. I think that was going through my mind. 

This guy was sleeping. He could have cared less that I was laying on him. We scratched his belly and he rolled over for us. 

And another female tiger. She is the smallest big cat- her name means rain. She also loved to have her belly scratched. 

Next we went to the Hill Tribe Village. 

There are three sets of tribes that live here. They live in the traditional ways, but have some modern accommodations, like running water and electricity. It is possible that it is all for show, but I still enjoyed the experience. 

Here is their farm land. In the middle is a water buffalo. 

Here we are at the top of the village. 

Here is that buffalo- laying in the field. 

There are chickens roaming around everywhere. I wonder if they know that their days are numbered. It is strange to think they are house pets and food. 

A bamboo bridge- I refused to cross. 

The people were fascinating. I felt strange taking pictures of them, but they would stop what they were doing and pose. Here is a group of ladies. 

A young boy- notice what he is playing with- not sure I would want my young son to play with an axe 

Here is a little girl only about 7 or 8. She was spinning thread. 

As the girls get older the rings go on their wrists and under their knees. 

I think this little girl is about 9. She has rings around her neck, knees, ankles and wrists. She also has large gauges (holes) in her ears. 

The people were fascinating to look at an watch as they went about their daily business. I must look up the history behind the rings and long necks. 

Our last stop of the day was at one more temple called Chiang Mun- the oldest temple in the city. 

It maybe old, but it sure is pretty! 

Here some kids are setting birds free for good luck. 

Here is the old part. You can tell the gold on top has been restored. 

Here is a picture with the sun shinning onto the temple. 

I love the elephants holding up the base. 

Here you can see the elephants wrap around the base of the temple. Their ears are spread wide. 

After this temple visit we stopped at the post office to get some stamps. Then Jane took us back home. We hopped in the pool to cool off had a lovely early dinner and went to bed early!! Tomorrow is my birthday and we get to play with elephants!!