Chiang Rai - Bangkok Feb.14-20

Hello Everyone,
Sorry, but due to technical difficulties, we are unable to include pictures in this post.
After trekking through the hills of the golden triangle surrounding Chiang Rai, riding the elephants and browsing the night bazaar, we decided to fly further south to Chiang Mai.
Our 35 minute flight was quite exciting as we flew in a 16 seat Cessna through the mountains. Five passengers, a pilot and co-pilot were the only ones aboard. The flight was smooth and exciting as we flew through mountain passes. It was interesting to watch the pilots at work as we chose the two front seats directly behind them.
We stayed in Chiang Mai for three nights at a lovely resort just relaxing. Typically, people come to this part of Thailand to explore the hill tribe areas and ride the elephants. Since we had done all this in Chiang Rai, we chose to spend our days by the pool and our evenings wandering the night bazaar. We continue to restrain ourselves from buying anything as our backpacks are full enough.
From Chiang Mai, we took a five hour bus ride through the central plains of Thailand. This area is described as the country's "Great Rice Bowl", known for its agricultural abundance. Winding rivers cut through the rice fields and small villages and towns give a glimpse into Thailand's rural culture. The terrain is flat and the rice paddies endless.
We spent two nights in Sukhothai considered to be the birthplace of the first Thai kingdom in 1238.
We continued to head further south by bus and ended up in the city of Ayutthaya. This city was the capital of Siam from 1350-1767 when the capital was then moved to Bangkok. We arrived during a food festival when the streets were closed and a variety of Thai and Muslim foods were being cooked and sold. Can you believe we had pizza for dinner that night! We have been very diligent about not buying any street food after seeing it sit out in the hot sun for who knows how long.
A short two hour minivan ride brought us full circle back to Bangkok from where we had set out seven weeks previously. Although it was pouring rain, it was a welcome relief from the sunny blue skies and the 33 degree temperatures that we have experienced since leaving home.
Next stop, southern Thailand and the island of Samui.
Until next post,
Joan & Ross