Chiang Mai City, Part 1

Here we go. Piling into the back of our red truck taxi upon arrival in Chiang Mai. It's late, but not to us. Our internal clocks are telling us it's barely dinner time. We are set to lodge at the Funky Monkey, and I confess, I think I chose this place because of it's name.
Luckily it offers more.
Huge, gigantic rooms that could easily sleep 6, owners that are helpful, and prime location make it a winner with me.

Their friendly dogs (Mutley, seen here) made it a winner with the kids.

Sompet market is about 5 minutes away, and a great entry-market for us beginners. Colors, smells....

...and tastes. Our first purchase in Thailand was four fresh fruit smoothies. That's dragonfruit, watermelon, coconut and mango. All for less than $2.

Sufficiently fueled up, it's time for more exploring. With no destination in mind, here's what we find:

 

Alleyways with shops and cafes, lined with tropical foliage. Coming from the desert, you can imagine our awe.

A Buddhist temple, or two...

or three, or four...

Some ancient architecture, and . . .

. . . a few lucky birds.

 
Supposedly, our bad luck will fly away with the birds once released. Suckers that we are, of course we had to partake.

To be continued....