My Chiang Mai

We returned to Chiang mai from trekking and made it to Habad for Kabbalat Shabbat. I have to say, that it was really nice. Everything was short and to the point, very Israeli, and of course the price was right. We davened there, and ate Shabbat dinner with other backpacking Israelis (mostly religious) who we found to be pleasant and different travelling styles.
We did meet Yossi and Orit, who got married 12 hours after us at Ramat Rahel, and who's mother went to great lengths to deliver to us an envelope gift that had made it into their cache! Incredible.
Say what you will about Habad, but there was no prosyletizing, everyone was welcome no questions asked, and they are simply the only show in town!

Since our trek, we have spent lots of time in Chiang Mai walking around, eating fantastic food and checking out various activities.

The nice thing is that there are many great vegetarian restaurants around and Mara has done great research to locate them (as well as everything else).

Yesterday we did a half day cooking course at the Smart cooking center in Chiang Mai, whcih was fantastic. We now can make some serious Pad Thai, Red and Green Curry, sticky rice, Tom Yum soup, papaya salad, and Morning glory. Our pics should be on their website soon so be sure to check back. Don't worry, when we get back we'll make a serious feast!

We also rented scooters with our friends Ezra and Liz, and headed out of town to see some great national parks. Yes, Mara agreed and I even caught her enjoying it! The thing about this area is the beauty of the landscape. I just can't get over how lush the vegetation is, the waterfalls and veiws from the mountains. People are very friendly and helpful, and it's an overall great experience.

The rest of our experience will be focused on health - Yoga, a visit to the Lisu tribe to learn their crafts, an indulgence into the 5-star world, a bit of detoxification, and of course more massages.

That's all for now, will write more soon.

Madoff
I would like to take this opportunity to bid Mr. Madoff good riddance, and may his 70-year-old- ass have a pleasant stay in prison for the next 150 years!!! (Hope he can figure out some sort of scheme to avoid gang rape and being someone's bitch.)