All Aboard for Chiang Mai

We have just spent the night on the night train to Chiang Mai from Bangkok after having spent three days exploring the Venice of the Far East. Bangkok has much to offer but I am glad to see it through my rear view mirror. 10 million people whose wealth or lack thereof can be extreme poverty to an overabundance of wealth. We enjoyed spending as much time as possible down by the river watching all the activity and riding the water bus. Yesterday was spent doing a canal tour on a long boat then the tour of the Royal Palace and the Emerald Buddha. WOW!! I thought the Forbidden City in Beijing was something to behold but I think I was more impressed with this palace as all it’s grandeur. They should be able to service the National debt just with the entry fee and the thousands of tourists. I had to wear  a sarong before being allowed entry. The day before was spent at the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha. Again, very impressive. The weather is extremely hot and dry. We met up with our group on Saturday. A female Thai leader and four other very attractive females form the group. An American, Austrian, Australian, Canadian and of course Jennifer. I am the only male. I’m sure it will prove to be an interesting two weeks before we meet up with the rest of our group.