This is Who We Are: Cultural Exploration

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The second week of our trip brings us to our new home to explore the ancient city of Chiang Mai, the kingdom of Thailand, and the cultural issues that impact conservation efforts.

You’ll come to find that cultural considerations are just as important as any others when it comes to implementing long-term change. You'll also have a great time, since diving into the culture means eating tons of incredible Thai food, shopping at massive street markets, and exploring the ancient city.

Since most of exploring a new culture is interacting with it, we learn a little basic Thai so that you can speak with locals we’ll encounter during the trip. You’ll have time to explore the old walled city, packed with colorful markets and golden temples, and learn the history of many nations of Thai people.

You'll ride in tuk-tuks, snack on noodles and mandarin juice, wai to passing monks in saffron robes, and follow the city moat under pink frangipani trees. You’ll also meet with Buddhist monks at Wat Phrathat at Doi Suthep, a breathtaking temple overlooking the city, to learn about the spiritual aspects of Thai culture.

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Activities such as full-day Thai cooking class and a meditation retreat run by Buddhist monks are other ways we explore the culture. By the end of the week, Chiang Mai will feel like home, and you'll be ordering take-out tom yum gai in Thai and lounging in the hammocks in the front yard.