Canadian World Traveller

10
Tiffany's Show Pattaya
This show is a page right of Vegas, but the
twist is the performers were all men in drag.
This amazing polished and glitzy show was
well choreographed, directed, with plenty of
song and dance and fun for all. To my amazement,
the drag queens would immediately exit
the show hall and greet the guests outside for
handshakes and photographs. Equally amazing,
these boys looked, spoke and acted just
like women, and they even have a name – the
legendary Lady Boys. These fascinating and
artistic performers captivate audiences with
their flawless female impersonations. This
show offers their audiences an evening of polished
entertainment for the whole family.
Chiang Rai
Our next point of discovery would bring us
way up north, a stone’s throw from Laos and
Myanmar, here would visit the city known for
the amazing White, Black and Blue temples.
Each is a unique location and the temples are
a must see, but there are other activities that
beckon a visitor as well. The city hosts a Night
Bazaar that offers locals and visitors shopping
and food by night.
Their Jazz Festival is also becoming a destination
for music lovers. For those who like boats,
and a riverside that remains mostly undeveloped,
tourists can enjoy the beauty of the Mae
Kok, by hiring a long-tail boat to take in the
scenery along the two riverbanks.
Night Bazaar
This is no ordinary night market, for kilometers
on both sides of a busy street merchants
sell just about anything you could carry in a
hand bag. To my dismay, I had forgotten all
my underwear and socks in the last hotel, but
within minutes I replenished my stock to last
me the rest of the trip. The best parts of it all
were the helpful smiling merchants that made
the shopping under the stars so pleasurable
and fun.
White Temple
The Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) brilliantly
stood out in the morning sun, with its unique
‘Kanok’ architecture. Although you could not
tell, this relatively new construction is already
a major draw in Chiang Rai. I was humbled
by its grandeur. The white plaster exteriors
represent the purity of Buddha with the glass
symbolizing his wisdom. The building is actually
a contemporary, albeit unconventional,
art exhibit in the style of a Buddhist temple.
Black House
Unmistakably, Baan dum (Black House) is
more of a museum then a temple and a master
piece of the artist Tawan Daschanee.
Visitors will marvel at the extravagant artwork,
buildings and grounds.
Now it is part art studio, part museum, part
home, Baan Dam, is an eclectic mix of traditional
northern Thai buildings mixed with
some outlandish modern designs in a
thought-provoking combination of surreal
and the sombre. Though not for everyone, it is
worth a visit.
Blue temple
This structure it is a recent temple and has
become a hot spot for both locals and tourists.
In contrast to the White and Black temples,
filled with shock, awe and some disturbing
elements, the Blue Temple is much more of a
calm, reflective space. Both the artwork and
the structure have a contemporary and modern
feel, and its vibrant sapphire blue color
has a mesmerizing effect. You can easily
spend hours looking at the intricate paintings
all over the ceiling and walls.
Golden Triangle and Hall of Opium
We reached the infamous Golden Triangle
that is at the cross-roads of Thailand, Burma
and Laos. This area is best known for the illicit
opium trade and from up on a hill we would
get a view of three countries separated by two
rivers and a peninsula. I was amazed, I had
finally seen the place of what was to me a fictional
area.
For a special history lesson, visiting the Hall of
Opium Museum takes visitors down the dark
road of opium. Inside the space is a combination
of multimedia and exhibition aimed at
educating people about opium, and offers a
pretty unflinching look at the history of the
Golden Triangle, the origin of opium, the
opium war, the battle against opium and
poppy growing, as well as rehabilitation of the
people affected.
Chiang Mai
If this tour of discovery wasn’t not fascinating
enough, the city and region of Chiang Mai
would prove amongst the best of the best this
trip had to offer. Here would visit and befriend
Elephants, engage in the morning rituals with
two hundred Buddhist monks and visit one of
the most spectacular monasteries I have ever
had the privilege of visiting.
Gentle Giants
A half day spent at the Patara Elephant Farm
would prove to be not only humbling but also
enlightening. As we first reached the camp, we
would encounter two young calves; one only
days old nursing on her mother. In our time
here, we would learn about the behaviours of
these gentle giants and the struggles of the
staff to protect their natural habitat. We would
thoroughly immerse ourselves by feeding
them bananas, walk with them to the waterfalls,
giving them refreshing baths and finally
ride on them bareback. Sadly, the visit ended
far too soon and we would have to say goodbye
to our new Thai friends.
Daily Alms collection
Waking up at the brake of dawn is not something
I usually do, but I was in Thailand and
this day we would start by meeting the monks
for the daily alms. I was astounded by the