Day two kicked off on a high note as we made our way to Doy Suthep, a famous mountain top temple just outside of Chiang Mai city.  Aside from the stunning vista offered by the temple’s high vantage point, the tall golden chedi (a term used in Thailand for stupa) serves as a sacred pilgrimage site for Northern Thai people.  

Next we made our way to Wat Suan Dok, a Buddhist temple and university which hosts and educates monks and novices from around the world.  Here we were educated on what Buddhism is and how it is practiced by a funny and kind monk named Phra K. K. We all left with a much better grasp on the local culture and way of life.  

Finally, we went to a Thai cooking school to try our hands at some of the local cuisine!  First we walked through a local market and learned all about the herbs and spices that make Thai cuisine so flavorful.  Then we rolled up our sleeves and chopped, ground, and stirred up a variety of appetizers, curries, stir fries and desserts.  It all came out so delicious! After a well earned and satisfying meal, we went to bed with our tummies full and ready for our elephant adventure the next day!

-Alyssa & Ryan