marriage getaway

I don't do hotel reviews too often but we recently stayed at a place that I totally recommend for certain types of needed retreats. Sometimes, Mike and I just need to get away from the house and routines of life to discuss specific topics and plan together.  This was one of those times. It is good for our relationship and so much easier to talk without the distractions of our daily life. Since I  like to try out new places, it was Sibsan this time.  Pictured above is a coffee shop at the resort next to a river, where we spent quite a bit of time talking.

Our room did not have the best arrangement of chairs for talking, so we ended up walking around the beautiful resort a lot and finding our own benches and private spots to converse.

We always enjoy getting out of the city, and this place had a lot of trails and natural places to explore.

It even had an organic vegetable garden and a few animals for the children to enjoy. 

One morning we climbed to the top of a lookout tower that had a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and resort and we ended up there for a few hours discussing topics on Mikes list. After living overseas for 37 years now, and having children and grandchildren on both sides of the world, we are trying to figure out when and how to make some changes in our lifestyle as we get older and more weary from the travelling.  We have no easy answers, but I do know that it is much easier together and I am so thankful for this man to continue the journey together.

One of the most unique things about this resort is that there were elephants EVERYWHERE.  No matter which direction we walked, we saw them.

Sometimes they had tourists on their backs, and other times they were just grazing and doing their own thing.

This resort was right square in the middle of at least four different elephant camps, that tourists come to visit.  The river had a constant stream of people riding elephants.

One afternoon, Mike and I sat in a little hut talking as elephants paraded back and forth on the path in front of us.

It was a steady stream of them walking in both directions. 

It was so cute to watch the baby elephants walking beside their mama's. 

I kept thinking of Briana, Katie, and others in the USA who love elephants, and how much they would enjoy this day.

We had the opportunity to be so close and  right next to them.

They just kept strolling by as we talked and watched.

This area also had ox cart rides.

Actually, this whole area made us feel like we were back on the farm, especially the farm odors that were everywhere.

There was also bamboo rafting being prepared for the tourists in the area. 

We have been the spectators at these elephant shows many times, but it was interesting to be on the other side of the show as observers.

Since the majority of tourists who come to this area are visitors, the workers were impressed when we spoke Thai with them. I climbed up into the hut of one feeding station for elephants with a worker and chatted with her as the elephants  came by for their snacks. 

Maybe we did not get our whole future figured out, but I sure enjoyed getting away and our visit to Sibsan. Reminding ourselves again of Proverbs 16:9,  "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps".

10,000 smiles

10,000 smiles is a reflection on the culture and people of Chiang Mai, in northern Thailand. This city has been our home for 23 years since we moved there from Bangkok. It makes us homesick to watch it. Caleb, who  made this video is the son of missionary friends of ours and he entered it in a competition and did well.  I think you will see why. Enjoy those smiles from Chiang Mai! 

"tryer outer's" vs. "Stick with what you know is good"

There's a type of people who find a hotel they like and return to it for every vacation....or when it comes to going out to eat, they like to go back to their favorite restaurant real often.... or the epitome is to not only go to the same place- but order the same thing off the menu every time. They say "if you know it's good- why risk trying something else?" I guess that sort of makes sense but on the other hand, there are people like me....continuously on a hunt to try out new places in life.

I do not like to return to the same place for a vacation -but really enjoy discovering and exploring a new city or country or hotel.  I enjoy checking out new restaurants and trying new things on the menu.

A few weeks ago, both Mike and Jon were gone- so Marisa and I used the time to check out new places in town. It was SO FUN!  I have also gone to a few others with different friends recently and even got Mike to try out a few new places with me. It has been nice to actually have some time in Chiang Mai this past month.

Here's a few of my favorites...

"Rustic and Blue" on Nimmanhaemin was such a fun place  for a girls night out.  Especially the little Tee pee tents  sent up around the garden to sit in.

It might not look like much, but the food at "Bay's Cafe" off of Canal Road is very delicious and all I can say is, "I can't wait to go back and try more."  Blueberry was my companion at this one, and it was good to get caught up on her life.

I always enjoy The Coffee Club at Tapae Gate, even if I have to borrow a photo off "the line" to show it's relaxing atmosphere.  Being attached to Burger King, helps for the kids to get a hamburger if they prefer and still sit with us.

Another favorite of mine, especially when asked to take a visitor out on the town is "The House" just inside the old city moat.  Marsha came from the USA to attend her son's wedding last weekend, and it was a pleasure for me to spend time with her and get to know her during her short visit.

Mint and I have spent some time together this week, as I've been trying to help her process some changes in her life.  She suggested that we try an Indian restaurant for dinner one night in the Nimmanhaemin area.  It was very good and another positive recommendation.

Last Sunday afternoon, while Jon was still out of town- Marisa led us to this restaurant that she had heard about. 

It has a great atmosphere for children so they can play while the parents eat and relax. 

The grand-kids really did enjoy all the fun things in their garden area. 

Each table had a unique setting. 

There were several places to really relax. 

It had a very Thai atmosphere, too.

It also has resort  hotel rooms.

My overall opinion of this one was that the kids had fun, their atmosphere was unique- but the food was "so-so".  I'm glad we went there once, but I'd rather keep exploring new places and probably won't return.  Chiang Mai has so many new restaurants, just one more reason we love our life here.