Loss of Self Control in Chiang Mai

Hey y'all!
So, since Lopburi, I have been in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. We arrived super early in the AM and then proceeded to walk the 3km to the old city. We then did a walking tour straight out of the Lonely Planet and visited some Wats.
Whats?
Exactly-Wats. It's what the temples are called here in Thailand. We visited Wat Phra Singh-one of the most famous in Chiang Mai and then a bunch of smaller ones too,including the oldest and one made entirely of wood.

Some important Dos and Don'ts for Wat going:
1. Dress politely (no short shorts or shoulders showing)
2. Show respect in the temple and shrine
3. Take off shoes before entering
4. Keep your head lower than the Buddha images and monks
5.Don't display affection for another person in public
6. Always keep clean
7. Never point with your toe; never point your toes toward the Buddha images or monks. Sit on your feet , facing towards the entrance, away from the images.
8. Also, never touch someone on the top of the head. It is a great sign of disrespect in the Thai culture

Those are the basics.
Afterwards, we found a place to stay and trekked back to get our bags that we left at the railway station. Checked in and proceeded to get drinks and food. You know, the usual.
The best part of the day came when I found a place that does massages fro super cheap. 2 hours of pampering-half hour foot massage, half hour facial, then an hour oil massage. My body got a lot of lovin' for $23! It was AMAZING! I, of course, felt like jello afterwards...so wonderful.
Then, the night market...somewhat touristy but nevertheless, you can find super good deals of pretty much anything. That night I got two new shirts for a total of $8. Yeah, and the shirts are sweet.
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!

The next day, TIGER KINGDOM!!!
I rode my first tuk-tuk to Maerim to see the big kitty kitties! I then got to get in the cage with them and play and pet them for a while (see the flickr link for pictures!). It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. Such big kitties and such big paws! Rawrrrr!
Then-burritos! I know, we probably should still be devouring all the delicious Thai food but I needed a break. Massive veggie burrito was just the fix. Delicioso!!!
The night market again and this time I lost it. The little self control I had left disappeared! I bought these sweet lights for my bohemian room and a few souvenirs for some special peeps. And more things for me...
We bought what we thought was beer...turns out it's called the Thai whiskey but tastes like a bad (I mean REALLY bad) wine cooler. Half way through the bottle I felt drunk and felt like getting sick. Nasty stuff. Siam set or something like that-STAY AWAY!

Elephantes the next day! We woke up late and hung over and decided a chill day with the elephants was in order. It was brilliant! Then after arguing viciously with our tuk-tuk man who was holding our money hostage, we made it back in time to get some food and beer. Then, we kept drinking because we saw a double rainbow and it felt right.
Many Chang beers later...I stumbled my way upstairs and passed out.
I love Chang.

Yesterday, we went to the Doi Suthep Temple. It is outside the city on top of a hill. The views down into the city are gorgeous, especially since the days have been so nice here. The temple itself is almost all covered in gold. It's practically blinding, but absolutely stunning!
The rest of the day was really chill. Thai teas in a cafe while writing more postcards to you lovely people! Dinner and then again-more loss of self control at the night market. We found the night market where the locals go and spent some time roaming through it.
Then back over that the other one, I went a little crazy with some art and bought 3 pieces.

Today, I had to make another run over to the shipping area because just like yesterday, I had to ship some things off. After about $100 spent in shipping, my pack is significantly lighter and my souvenirs and art are in the mail on their way home! Now, I'm headed to the train station to catch a train to Cambodia to see the bat caves! It's going to be another long couple days of traveling...

Until next time, peace and much love!