Our overnight train was much better this time around. We were in the 2nd Class air con sleeper. Our seats (pictured on top) would convert to bunk beds (pictured on bottom). The only issue this time was that they left the lights on all night and being on the top bunks meant it was difficult to sleep. However, we sat next to a guy from India who has several businesses in Thailand and one of his coworkers. They were on their way to Chiang Mai for business at one of his offices.
We trekked to our hotel from the train station. We made it in time for the Annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival. The next few pictures are from the festival.
Crowd control isn't like it is in the US.
Traditional dances from the surrounding countries and Thailand were displayed on the stage all night long. A night market with food and merchandise vendors lined the plaza. The night ended with fireworks which we heard from our hotel.
Church in Chiang Mai was awesome! There were a lot of Farangs (Thais use this word to describe western people. Pronounced "Fa-wrong-s"). There was a group of people who were teaching English in china from BYU. They came down for vaca. The Branch in Chiang Mai has been split into two branches. The work in Thailand is moving so fast. Last month the mission baptized 164 people! When Shelley was here the mission had about 100 missionaries. Now, there is 162. The missionaries were told that if the work continues to be this steady, they will attract the attenttion of the First Presidency and could have a Temple announced for Thailand within a year. The field is white and already to harvest.
Wish I could have seen that with you guys!
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