The Final Day

Friday, Nov. 21 — As difficult as it seems, this was the last day of our trip. Because I had an earlier flight, I left Fern Paradise early, after writing kind words in their guest book and posing for a picture with Om's mother. Om gave Karen a beautiful CD called "Missing You" that is a collection of tunes played on music boxes. It was very soothing and was playing when we arrived at the hotel as well as at breakfast in the mornings. If anyone ever visits Chiang Mai, this is the place to stay.

Karen had a full day and put Patrick to work again. He took her to the royal winter palace, with its beautiful gardens, Doi Suthep, the highest and most glorious temple in Chiang Mai, the orchid/butterfly farm, a monkey show and the tiger farm. She got to cuddle some feisty baby Bengals, sit with and pet several big guys and lived to tell about it. Turns out that at Doi Suthep, with its 261 steps, you can ride the cable car down as well as up. Karen opted to get some exercise and walked down.

Patrick also took her around Chiang Mai's old walled city, surrounded by a moat and home to many more wats. But like looking at cathedrals in France and Italy, you get to the point where you've seen too many temples. Karen settled for Wat Chiangmun, the one with the crystal Buddha. Unlike the gargantuan golden Buddhas in most wats, this ancient glass one is quite small, maybe a foot tall, and you can see right through him.

Then it was off to the airport and goodbye, Southeast Asia. We got outta town three days before the protesters took over the airport; I believe the elephants did bring us luck.

What a perfect trip!!