Yesterday, Annie and I took a Thai cooking course. They had use choose from a menu that consisted of a 5 course meal and we then began the process. We went to the market and they discussed in detail what ingredients we would be using and why you were using them. It was very informative. Of all the dishes Annie and I chose (all different ones so we could come back knowing how to cook more dishes) I noticed none of them too difficult to cook. I think the most important part of Thai cooking is the ingredients you use. Many of which may be hard to get in the the States. I recorded almost of the class so if we find the ingredients back at home we will have to have a big Thai feast. We are also trying to do a cooking class in every country we visit so it should be a pretty damn big feast.
  We met a couple from Vancouver Esprit and Amy, during the class and we really hit off with them so we decided to go out to dinner with them later that night. We were kinda tired of eating Thai food so we went to an Italian joint and had some pasta that was surprisingly delicious.
   We were talking to a Thai couple earlier that day and they recommended that we should check out this jazz club by the North Gate of Chiang Mai. Not too far from where we were staying. We showed up for the last few notes before their first set break but I could tell that we came to the right place. It was crowded with no where to sit but Esprit found a little balcony with a couch over looking the stage. We met another person from Canada (Montreal), Patrick, and he informed me that it was an open mic night. He asked me if I played and I told him I occasionally sit in with my friends if they want a back beat with my djembe. When I returned the question he said that he plays the bass and drums but doesn't play any jazz and that these guys were too good for him to keep up with. He was full of shit. He disappeared before they started playing and then I see him on piano jamming with the guys. He was right about one thing though. These guys were really good. After they finished the second song he pointed up to me and then to bongos set up by the bass player. So I had no choice.  It felt great to be a part of and surrounded by that many talented musicians just jamming out, having fun. I must have played for about 20 minutes and we all took a breather while the drummer did is solo. I then noticed the place was so crowded that it over flowed into the street blocking traffic. It was the biggest crowd I ever played in front of and it was an amazing feeling. After the set was over we all celebrated with some beers and whiskey hung out for a little while and then it all started back up again. I decided to sit out the second set and just listen and enjoy with our new friends.
    We are off to Pai now so I will post again when I get a good story from there:)