Anniversary bucket list: Northern Thailand

Hard to believe I found a partner that puts up with my tendencies to burn the candle at both ends, break sunglasses and sing lullabies to the dog. But then again, he hoards receipts (even for, like, a pint of milk at the corner market) and stays up into the wee hours watching European football. We all have our quirks. 

Thankfully, we've made a life together, eccentricities and all. And on July 31, we'll celebrate our second anniversary :)

One characteristic that we share is our penchant for travel. We have a bucket list that includes Japan, Northern Africa and Australia, but also... going back to northern Thailand. 

Does a bucket list item count if you've already been there? I think so in this case. It's significant to us because we got married betwixt rice paddies near Chiang Mai, all by ourselves. And then we came home and threw a big ol' party.

Chiang Mai is easy to love. Visually, it's charmingly ramshackle, with ancient structures next to 7-elevens and emerald coconut palms next to grubby scooter repair shops. Culturally, it's a gem; the people are affable and kind, and an aura of peace surrounds this place much like the moats around the Old City. We visited wats, took a cooking class, got massages, shopped the night markets and so much more.

And around Chiang Mai, you can find...

Doi Suthep National Park

Hot Springs where you can boil fresh eggs for lunch

Hill tribe villages, like the Hmong

The Elephant Nature Park, which rescues elephants from trekking, begging, circuses and other nefarious activities

And splendid spots to get married ;) I truly hope someday we'll go back. A wedding photo for the road:

This post is part of the Travel Tuesday linkup, created by Bonnie Rose and co-sponsored by these gals.