More choices

Beloved --
On Sunday February 1st, we were again given a choice of activities--either a very challenging bike ride or a Thai cooking class. We all--Lonny, Angela, Rene, J.J., and I--opted to help prepare lunch. . . .Thai green currey, spring rolls, phad see ieu, featured prominently. There was also a special dessert prepared by Aan (our assistant guide) consisting of coconut cream and bananas. We all had a good time chopping and stir frying. The results were tasty if not perfectly presented.
After lunch we hoped into our mini-van (sadly) for the ride back to Chiang Mai. We stopped at a silk factory and the "World's Largest Jewelry Store" on the way. Silk spinning and weaving, silver and gold smiths and gem cutters, all working very hard and openly for the public. Needless to say, both the silk factory and jewelry mart had shops associated with them. In both cases there were beautiful finished goods and only moderate sales hype. Quite a contrast to the simple hill-tribe crafts and people.
Our last meal together was at a riverfront restaurant that is famous and popular with both Thais and "farang." Again the food was wonderful and the company delightful. Mr. Pan played host and our cycling master and driver, Som, also joined us.
After dinner we made a quick visit to the Night Market where we bargained hard for some last minute souveniers just for the fun and camaraderie. I now have a cloth shoulder bag and leather bracelet. Lonny has a Dr. Seuss hat that he promises to wear at least once "back home." (Watch out, Denver!)
On Monday morning my trekking buddies left early for the sand and sun of Phuket. I opted to stay in Chiang Mai and put together a plan for the rest of my time in SE Asia. My ticket back to India is on February 24th, so I have a little, but certainly not enough time to even begin exploring.
I love you and miss you all,
Jim