{"id":4778,"date":"2019-07-19T02:39:05","date_gmt":"2019-07-19T08:39:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=4778"},"modified":"2019-07-17T11:39:51","modified_gmt":"2019-07-17T17:39:51","slug":"chiang-mai-travels-with-the-decker-brothers-their-mimi-papa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gentryconnects.net\/?p=4778","title":{"rendered":"CHIANG MAI TRAVELS WITH THE DECKER BROTHERS & THEIR MIMI & PAPA."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our stop after exciting Bangkok was Chiang Mai, known as the “Rose of the North.” We checked into the Shangri-La, a hotel we used for many years while on buying trips for our company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This is a 2016 photo of Marla and our agents writing up an order for furniture and accessories from one of our resources<\/strong>. We always found unusual items in the Chiang Mai area! I must confess it felt a little strange NOT to be buying things after our previous 25 visits for business! I had to subdue my hunter\/gatherer spirit.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Shangri-la’s Horizon Club offers superb added features for the tourist as well as the business traveler. Their staff is fabulous and very helpful!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Horizon Club at the Chiang Mai Shangri-La.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After checking into the hotel we walked to fabulous Jindaporn Laundry, a place we’ve used for years. When traveling with teenage boys the laundry really stacks up!<\/strong> 17 pounds for $15 to be exact!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Boys hadn’t had a massage before so we made reservations at the Shangri-La’s Chi Spa, a favorite of ours.<\/strong> They loved it!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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After visiting frenetic Bangkok it was great to just relax and have a swim.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We are heading out for a walk to the “Sunday Walking Street.” It is a Chiang Mai favorite for shopping, food, and music.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We tried a different route to the market and made new discoveries like the old Wat Chang Khong temple above. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now, this little restaurant has an interesting design!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We passed a Bodhi Tree with “support poles’ on the side. This is an ancient Lanna tradition of “supporting” a Bodhi tree with a decorative support pole. The Bodhi tree represents Buddha’s presence and an object of worship.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We toured the beautiful Wat Buppharam.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Amazing “Naga” steps to the temple.<\/strong> “Nagas” are mythical serpent beings that originated in Hinduism. In Buddhism, they often are protectors of the Buddha. <\/strong> They can often be seen on temple rooftops, staircases, and even on Buddha sculptures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We paid a small entrance fee to tour inside the temple.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The golden spire of the Burmese style chedi.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mythical dragons guard the temple entrance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The “Tha Phae Gate” is an ancient portal into the old area of Chiang Mai. This is where the “Sunday Walking Street” market begins.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marla and the Boys find something of interest.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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