The last few days in Thailand

We've been BUSY! Last week was a little intense; a lot of traveling around Thailand and a lot of new foods that don't always do what I'd like them to do. This weekend we had a lot great adventures. Saturday we went to an elephant farm about an hour outside of Chiang Mai and had a blast! Even though elephants aren't the best smelling of Thailand's animals they are really friendly and a lot of fun to be with. On Sunday we made the long and curvy drive up to Chiang Mai's most revered Buddhist temple. After 104 90 degree turns we arrived at the 306 stair climb to overlook the cityscape of Chiang Mai. But more than the beauty of viewing a city at such a great height my heart was broken to see so many people living their lives in an idolatrous and superstitious way. To a Christian it's obvious that the monks are revered almost as supernatural beings with supernatural powers. The believers humble themselves before all monks and give them food offerings and empty their already thin wallets into donation boxes that are lined with gold. It was really hard for me because I realized that Buddhism has made an art of preying on the fears of human nature in order to establish a ritualistic following. But before I get into my apologetic position on it all I'll just post some shots from our last few days.