After saying farewell to our family and friends, our Big Experience had finally begun. Upon arrival at Melbourne Airport, we flew to Bangkok and then onto Chiang Mai where we were greeted by Hung our tour guide and Bob our local guide, along with some hot and humid weather.
After checking into our swanky hotel the Imperial, we experienced our first Thai meal which everyone enjoyed. The garden setting was the perfect way to relax after our long flight from home.
To get our bearings around Chiang Mai, we had a tuk tuk tour of the city and visited a 700 year old pagoda. The Buddha was an interesting experience and a great photo opportunity.
We then enjoyed a swim in the one of the two pools at the hotel.
In the evening we travelled to the food market to learn about the local produce before our cooking class. The different varieties of everything, the smells and people created a wonderful atmosphere. The cooking class including cooking Panang curry, pad Thai and sticky rice pudding. Pad Thai seemed to be the most favourite.
After dinner some students visited the Night Market, some getting fish massages, others looking for the perfect gift, while many chose to get an early night before white water rafting and Thai boxing tomorrow.
Ruby and Murray