Travelled up to Chiang Mai via the sleepy town of Lampang. It's so sleepy that the Buddha sent down some angles disguised as White Chickens to wake the citizens up, which explains the large statues of White Chickens at all the roundabouts. Near the city is a Elephant Conversation Centre where Elephants from all over the country are kept. It's wonderful to see such large animals so close as they performed their show, pulling trunks, playing the drums and even painting. Some were very good and some had the touch of Picasso. The Elephant Parade was straight out of Jungle Book. Its also the home to six of the Royal White Elephants. All white Elephants belong to the King, but being Royal they were out of view, and of course they can't work but still require a lot of upkeep, hence the expression about White Elephants. Arrived in Chiang Mai this afternoon. It is the biggest City since Bangkok, but feels almost rural in some places. Certainly has a relaxing vibe even if it is chock full of tourists. Took in a couple of Temples and walked around the moat.