City Tour and First Day of Class

On Sunday we took a city tour around Chiang Mai and stopped at one of the other Payap campuses, the hospital, and two markets.  It was blazing hot yesterday and it didn't help that it was sunny but still, the city is amazing and the people here are so nice and welcoming.  The markets were so cool to see and everything is very cheap compared to at home! I may or may not have bought some gifts for people yesterday.. :) 

Song Thauws-"Thai Taxi"

 Indoor Section of Market

 Sunday Walking Street Market

Since we were in Old City Chiang Mai there were a lot of museums and temples which were all so beautiful.  It was also really cool to see the community atmosphere that the Thai people have.  Everyday at 8AM and 6PM the Thai National Anthem is played and everyone stops and stands still to respect their country.  Unfortunately at the market my friend, Lina, lost her wallet when we were leaving.  She noticed it was missing when we got back to the dorm but she had it when we paid for our meal which we ate right before we left.  A Thai graduate student, Champ, who was also helping us on the city tour was nice enough to take us back to the market to file a police report.  Champ also introduced us to some Thai hip hop, Thaitanium-new favorite artist.

 Temple in the Old City

 Temple that was ruined by an Earthquake

And now on to today..
It was my first day of class which I was both excited and nervous for.  I had originally told you I would be in the Struggle for Human Rights in SE Asia but it different from what I had expected and not that class that I wanted to take (plus, the readings we got were HUGE..).  Luckily I am able to switch to the Cultural Foundations of Thai Society class and will start that tomorrow.  The excursion for that class goes to the Soppong, Pangmapha, and Mae Hong Son Provinces which will last from July 2 to July 7.  We are staying with hill tribe people and I cannot wait to experience that.  We did have to dress in uniform which I am not used to but then it saves me from picking out what to wear :).  I'll post more pictures on facebook later.  I hope everyone is doing well-miss/love you!