I had a fabulous vacation in sunny Chiang Mai, Thailand.
I got to relax by the pool and go swimming.
Read, get a tan (yeah right!) and hang out with friends.
In town I hit up several outdoor street markets with all the other people.
The Thai people LOVE their king and you can see pictures of him everywhere in the city. This trip to Thailand was a little different because there were also pictures of the king's sister everywhere due to her recent death.
Monks are a common site around town. Here one is buying a container that has small birds inside. You purchase the container for a few dollars and then set the birds free to improve your luck.
All along the old city wall and between streets and buildings are vendors selling their wares.
Here is a little old Thai lady looking at Buddhist statues for sell.
There are also plenty of clothes which are one of my favorite things to buy in Thailand. They are so comfortable and colorful.
I was surprised to see god's eyes hanging with these lamps since I hadn't ever seen them outside of Texas. I thought they were cool. 
As you work your way around the goods remember it isn't quiet. Every few meters someone is singing or playing music for money or charity. 
To bad I can't take all the lamps home.
Thailand is famous for it's homemade paper and different paper arts like this guy is working on here. 
More musicians on the street.One interesting thing that happened was that while we were in the midst of all these people, foreign and local alike, the Thai national anthem began to play over loud speakers at 6 o'clock and everyone in the whole place stood completely still and quiet until it was over. Then the general chaos resumed.
Down one street the market turns into and outdoor diner with lots of food.
A lot of rice and curry dishes. 
Strange meats which I didn't eat any of!
A kind of dumpling perhaps?
Mainly locals were eating with an occasional brave foreigner.
All of this is taking place next to one of the many temples which they call Wats.
Incense, candles, and dragons are common sights and smells.
Don't forget the pots to put your money in as you say a prayer to Buddha.
Later on in a different market I went local and had dinner outside.
It was a dumpy place but the pan fried noodles were really good. 
Then we pressed on into the night with more shopping!
It was a good trip.
A kind of dumpling perhaps?Mainly locals were eating with an occasional brave foreigner.All of this is taking place next to one of the many temples which they call Wats.Incense, candles, and dragons are common sights and smells.Don't forget the pots to put your money in as you say a prayer to Buddha.Later on in a different market I went local and had dinner outside.
It was a dumpy place but the pan fried noodles were really good. Then we pressed on into the night with more shopping!It was a good trip.
