Charming Chiang Mai

After our most amazing experience trekking, we only had one night to explore one of Thailand's biggest yet most cultural cities, Chiang Mai. The night that we had however, was perfect. Our guesthouse was located in the old city, a small square cut around with a moat and a decrepit old brick wall, built about 700 years ago. The location was key for two reasons-it's proximity to the cities oldest and most beautiful temples, like Wat Phra Singh



And second-it was on the same street as the Sunday night market, as viewed from the step of the temple



After we spent some time listening to Buddhist chants from inside the temple,



We set out with what minimal energy we had left after our trek to the streets. This night market was one that puts American craft and street fairs to shame. Countless stalls continue on for blocks going every direction, and in about three hours, I think we only covered about half, moving at a quick speed at that. Aside from traditional souvenirs and knick-knacks, there was an effortless display of food, and it seemed to be pretty traditional Thai, even down to the bugs






Nursing a temperate stomach, we opted for food we thought we could handle, with some surprises thrown in there

There was a tasty banana spring roll, oozing with deliciousness, especially as the honey was poured on top



An interesting sticky rice pancake,


That was indeed very sticky. It had some spices, or something like a sesame seed and some sugar, in the middle that was tasty, whatever it was!



We also discovered the Chow-Guaiacum and decided to try a bite, after I had seen people eating this odd, slippery substance in water several times before around Bangkok



As the sign says, it was a giant piece of vegetable jelly, served with sugar, and ice



To us, it was about as appetizing as it looks-not very. The jelly had almost a hint of licorice, and I think the brown sugar sprinkled on top gave the dish a smoky flavor-eating it tasted about how you would expect a melted piece of black licorice would after it had been dipped in a vegetable soup.

After that adventure we found some food we could really sink our toothpick into, street made wontons



After what seemed like a whole family affair, with the daughter on the prep, Mom on the construction of the wonton, and Dad on the grill, these were the best wontons I have eaten


They were, quite naturally, so fresh and melted in your mouth. A delectable treat to end the night and our time not only in Chiang Mai, but Thailand.