After our lovely visit with the Chuns in Singapore, we left our gracious hosts and headed to our next destination, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Guess what, Ped fans? Ped means “diamond” in Thai!!! I love it!

The next few days were more fun than I could have imagined! Here are a few highlights (again, two asterisks indicate a must-do):

* Baan Orapin—We stayed at this wonderful bed and breakfast, which is both centrally located and well-maintained. The people there are so nice, and they serve a great breakfast out by the pool. Also the staff offered great suggestions on what to do during our visit..

The King of Thailand on a Chiang Mai billboard, and breakfast by the pool at Baan Orapin.

* Two fun restaurants: 1) The Riverside Restaurant, which is within walking distance of the B&B; and 2) the Whole Earth Restaurant, which is a tuk tuk ride away. Both have lots of choices and offer wonderful Thai and Indian dishes.

* Night Bazaar—This lively spot is also a short walk from the B&B and offers a range ofThai crafts.

* Foot Massages ($6) and Thai Massages ($14)—a MUST in Thailand! If you have never had a Thai Massage, watch out! They will stretch and move your body like it’s never been stretched and moved before!

* Sergeant Kai of Chiang Mai Tours was our guide for a day, and he turned out to be both a great guy and also a true resource for getting to know Chiang Mai.He took us to the Tiger Kingdom. I went in with the baby tigers, but the big ones were very intimidating!

Keri and I played with the tiger cubs, while Kara and Angela bravely petted the adult cats.

**Sergeant Kai then took us to the Doi Suthep Buddhist temple. A jewel on the hill, this temple is not to be missed! It’s a 45-minute drive to the top of the hill by car, and the view once there is breathtaking! Painted with 22kt gold, the temple and stupa (which holds the relics) are amazing. We arrived at sunset, just as the monks began their evening chanting. A resident monk blessed us and sent us on our way endowed with sacred bracelets and luck. The drive back offered a stunning view of the city of Chiang Mai.There were also cute dogs everywhere because the monks feed them! (Lulu and Ella were happy to hear this.)

The gold-painted Doi Suthep temple, Keri with the monk who blessed us, and the hilltop view of Chiang Mai.

**Patara Elephant Farm —This was absolutely the best day of the entire trip! Pat, the guide and owner of the farm, was extremely informative and explained the farm’s mission is to preserve and maintain a breeding program for the protected elephants. They assigned me my own elephant, Boonpuk, and I became responsible for inspecting his health and also for feeding, cleaning, bathing, exercising, and swimming with him that day!

I took Boonpuk for a bath, but the elephants decided we needed one, too!

We spent nine hours with the elephants at the farm and in the surrounding area. The elephants are so gentle, and I discovered the truth behind the saying “memory like an elephant’s”! After just half an hour with Boonpuk, he knew who I was and watched me all day. I rode him for hours and even swam with him. I truly fell in love with this gentle giant!

Keri, me, and Kara on our elephants. Boonpuk and I commune  on the rocks after our swim, while Keri enjoys a dip with her elephant.

Patara is altogether different than other elephant “rides” that merely offer a quick 20 minutes on an elephant’s back. It’s a life-changing experience! It is the one thing you must do while in Thailand! You can even stay overnight at Patara. (To learn more, see the Patara reviews on Trip Advisor.)

Boonpuk and me—a match made in Thai heaven!

Tomorrow, on to Phuket!

Ped fans, I am SO EXCITED!!! Tomorrow I jet off with my mom, sister, and niece for a two-week vacation in Southeast Asia! Do you know I have never taken 14 consecutive days off in my life??? After leaving San Francisco, we’ll visit Hong Kong, Singapore, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. My mom (technically my step-mother, but I love her with all my heart) grew up in Shanghai, and she still has friends and family throughout Asia. For instance, in Singapore we’re staying with her nephew, who is the head of Hasbro Toys! We four gals have so many fun things planned: riding elephants, visiting temples in Chiang Mai, kayaking, and just chilling on the white sand beaches in Phuket. I promise to take lots of pictures and tell you all about it once I return!

So, you may be wondering what Ped things I plan to take on my big adventure? Well, here are few items that will definitely go on the trip:

1) Cydwoq’s Mint bag:

Not only is this bag beautiful, but it’s also large enough to hold everything I want to have on hand for the long flight: a couple books, a magazine or two, a sweater because I always get chilly on the plane, toiletries for freshening up, and a change of clothes, just in case my checked bag takes a vacation without me (please, no). Also, the Mint will make a great shopping companion when I hit the streets to hunt for souvenirs.

2) Jutta Neumann’s Kim sandal:

When you’re going to spend a lot of time walking in hot weather, you can’t beat this easy slide for comfort and versatility. Jutta’s craftsmanship is legendary—her all-leather sandals are molded so they feel custom-made for your feet. And the Kim’s design—so minimal and chic—looks fantastic with literally everything! 

3) Jamie Joseph’s Sea Coral Necklace:

I don’t know about you, but I hate fussing with jewelry when I travel—but that doesn’t mean I want to go without. So, I’m planning to put on (and never take off) this Jamie Joseph necklace. I love how the tiny diamonds sparkle from within the crevices of the oxidized silver “coral”! And it’s a necklace I don’t have to think about—I’ll wear it sightseeing, swimming in the ocean, out to dinner (have I mentioned the great food we’re going to eat?), and everywhere else! 

I hope the next two weeks bring you as much fun as I’m about to have! I’ll miss Terry, Lulu, and Ella, but just think—soon I’ll be here:

Courtesy of J.W. Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa