What place would you recommend for a family to go to if they only had a week and a nine year old?
Hmm, tough question. I have nieces and nephews so I’m aware of what a nine year old is like and I know they want to have fun! But, they are also really darn clever (and impressionable too) so I’d want them to see and experience something that would make them think and open up their perspective, a place where people live in a completely different way than they are used to seeing.
Chiang Mai, Thailand would be a great spot and you’re agenda could include:
-A day at the Elephant Nature Park learning about and even helping to care for the elephants.
-An early morning wake up call to watch the locals give alms to the barefoot monks that pass by.
-A trip to an open air, fresh market to see how grocery shopping is done in most of Asia.
-Visits to several amazing temples in particular Doi Suthep which provides a great view of the city from atop the mountain.
-Eating lots of delicious street food on tiny plastic tables with equally tiny plastic stools.
-A stroll through Warorot Market where the locals shop is always interesting.
-The Sunday Night Market for buying up souvenirs and take home items.
-Various classes could be taken if you were so inclined – cooking, meditation, yoga, muay thai boxing or even Thai language.
Disclaimer: If I could only get one week, I wouldn’t spend 48 hours of it traveling across the globe to Asia. It’s just too far and eats up too much of your time in actual travel (not to mention jet lag). Bargain hard for those few extra days or pick something closer to home. Costa Rica is nice.
Thank you, Amy Marks. Now go somewhere! 🙂 -Ashlie