Monday, 19 January 2015  Elephants and the Flower Market

After seeing Wat Kate Karam, I was headed across the Mae Ping River to the Warorot Market and the Flower Market.

Going towards the bridge, I passed a shop in front of which is a large colorfully painted elephant. It is almost two meters high. Quite noticeable.

I went into the shop. They are an outlet for a project called Elephant Parade to help save the Asian Elephants. They do this by having notable artists design and paint these large elephants, which are then auctioned off with the proceeds going to protect the Asian Elephants. There have been large shows in London in 2010, Singapore in 2012, I think Sri Lanka in 2013, and there will be a show this year in Hong Kong, and another in Bangkok. These large elephants start at auction for over 500,000 THB (about $17,500), and I was told they go up very quickly depending on the artist and the design. They sell ceramic miniatures of the large elephants in three sizes, the smallest at 10 cm for about $80 with the profits going to the Asian Elephant Project. There are probably more than 100 designs to see inside the shop. They also have a few of the designs that are half-full-size for about $10,000, I was tempted, but they will not fit into my luggage.

They prefer that you not photograph in the gallery, so I took pictures of the few large examples they had outside. Each has a name given by the artist based on the particular theme of the design.

Not sure what about this is shy, but that is what is says. Perhaps the artist was interpreting the apparent shyness of the elephant. I am certain there is a story; I just do not know it.

I wish I had the name for this one, it does look playful with the butterflies.

I did buy a couple of the small elephants. Now it is really time to head for the Flower Market.

Walking across the Mae Ping River, over to the right is the American Consulate. Up close, photographing is not allowed, but from this distance, it is all right. It is nice to see the American flag flying (reminds me of home).

There was a foot bridge here over the Mae Ping River, from the Flower Market to the road leading to Wat Kate Karam. In about 2008, a flood caused severe damage to the bridge. People continued to use it, and because of very real safety concerns, the government had the bridge removed.

The bridge will be rebuilt, but the answer to the question, when? is unclear and not known.

The Flower Market is thriving. It is very pretty and smells really good. It is really a series of smaller shops along the road, and there is no shortage of almost any kind of flowers here, from already arranged to bulk. Here are a few photos.

In this shop or stall are pre-arranged flowers to take home, take to a wedding, or some other occasion.

Large piles of orchids, a common flower almost associated with Thailand. Beautiful!

There are chrysanthemums.

And there are more chrysanthemums all types and colors and other flower, too.

Walking up towards Tha Phae Gate and the old city, I passed a shop selling new, foot-operated Singer sewing machines. It looks like some in the shop may work electrically too, but these are foot-operated. Maybe some of the purists like the control. If you know where to look, you can get almost anything, even a foot-operated Singer sewing machine. Every day is an education in Chiang Mai.

Another good day. Almost back to 3-Sis.

Next: Revisiting Temples Across the Street