In the midst of non-stop flood speculation for the last couple of weeks, we headed up north to higher ground for a long weekend in Thailand's NE region, Isaan. Isaan is the country's most populous and poorest region, but also the home to countless staples of Thai culture, much of the country's agricultural production and also a large number of Bangkok residents who have traveled down to make a living in the country's biggest city.
We have friends whose family lives on a farm in the town of Bueng Kan Long, so we spent time up there in our first visit to the region. Upon arriving, we drove from Udon Thani airport to our friend's village, with a first stop for lunch by the lake, where they happened to be doing boat races. The lakeside was crowded with people who had come to eat, drink and watch the races.
Per usual, Shane got held by some locals.
And Eliana found a fan-powered merry-go-round to ride.
We also visited a local market to stock up on food and have some refreshments.
That night, we stayed at a hotel on the lake. The kids were up early in the morning, which meant we were tired but also were up for some cool early morning lake scenes.
After breakfast, we went to see a local monk famous for his fortune telling skills. He told me to beware of water, probably apt given Bangkok is flooding and I'll be posted to an archipelago next. He told Samantha she had a very strong will.
After that, we visited the temple's pond which was full of hungry catfish.
Our afternoon activity was a boat trip down a small river through the jungle to get to a water fall.
Then, a 10-minute hike through the jungle.
And then we arrived at the waterfall. Even though it's been rainy in Bangkok, the brunt of the rainy season in Isaan had passed and the waterfall had dried up a bit. This made it less spectacular, but more accessible, especially with the wee ones.
Then we drove to the Mekong River and got a view of Laos on the other side.
Of course, when we weren't out doing activities, we were on the farm. The kids loved being close to all of the animals, especially a new puppy they had. Even Eliana couldn't get enough of the puppy.
There were also more typical farm animals like chickens, ducks, pigs and water buffalo.
We stayed on the farm our second night there. A number of the villagers came by for a large feast, which Sam helped prepare, and then a ceremony (derived from the region's animist traditions) in which all of the villagers tie strings on visitors wrists for good luck. It was a very cool experience.
The next morning, we were up early again, this time to bring food to the monks to feed them breakfast.
It was an interesting trip for all of us. In the end, Eliana had a tough time saying goodbye to the puppy.
