Miaow took us on a great tour of the countryside around Sukhothai. We made stops at a local cooperative where they make furniture and to a family’s home where they weave basketry. Miaow lent a great deal of information about both crafts, giving us a real insight into the local economy - just the right amount to fully engage us. She also taught us about the Teak plant, how it’s now a very controlled commodity (to keep everyone from cutting down trees at random) and how so many products are derived from it’s seeds and leaves, including an unexpectedly vivid red dye. I could not ride a bike on the tour, so Miaow made arrangements to have a motorized Tuk-Tuk haul us around. That was quite an exhilarating experience unto itself. Miaow’ s sister was the driver. Miaow took us to the local temple where a special ceremony was underway to celebrate the indoctrination of a young man into the monastery. There is no way we would have found this on our own, let alone given access to the event as guests. Our trip finished with a brief tour of Jib’s fish breeding activities. Jib is Miaow’s husband and he has the most beautiful “tropical” fish that he raises and sells globally. It’s fascinating.
This tour and more properly Miaow’s talent as a guide are highly recommended. PS - we were under no pressure to buy anything at any of the stops, but we did buy a beautiful kitchen trolley at the cabinet shop, which Miaow arranged for payment and shipping. We also bought some beautiful baskets. Everything we bought was less expensive than anywhere else we’ve seen these items in Thailand, or anywhere. We didn’t buy any fish but would have if we could keep a pet at our home.
