Thailand Adventures – Day Two: Capybaras, Markets, Pool Time & Pot-Pants!

If Day 1 was about getting ourselves settled into Thailand, Day 2 was all about embracing the adventure… and apparently discovering that a simple trip to buy swimming goggles can turn into an entire animal encounter!

Our day started bright and early, with Miss Kailey waking up at 4:45am, absolutely beaming and ready to go. Why? Because someone was VERY excited about getting into the pool!

Before we could get our swimming costumes on, it was time to tackle the hotel buffet breakfast. And what a breakfast it was!

We were all guilty of having eyes much bigger than our stomachs. There was good coffee, freshly made omelettes, pancakes, bacon, muffins, banana bread, fresh fruit, yoghurt… the list went on. So much choice and so much deliciousness!

Once everyone had filled their bellies, the rest of the crew headed upstairs to get ready for the day, leaving me with a rare and rather lovely moment of peace. Just me, a coffee and a few minutes to sit quietly and enjoy the morning. Holiday bliss!

Next stop was everyone's favourite, 7-Eleven!

We picked up a collection of snacks, drinks and assorted nick-nacks, because apparently we are building our very own travelling convenience store.

When we returned to the hotel, the kids decided their purchases deserved a full-blown haul video. Cue the pretend vlogging, enthusiastic product demonstrations and plenty of commentary about their latest treasures.

Meanwhile, Aaron and I went on a very glamorous mission to check out the local laundromat. Important holiday research when travelling with three kids, obviously!

We discovered that a load of washing costs just 50 baht. Pretty sure we will be utilising that service soon!

Finally, it was time for what Kailey had been waiting for since 4:45am… THE POOL!

While the girls and I enjoyed some swimming time, Aaron and Rory headed out on a mission to find some fresh fruit to add to our ever-growing hotel snack stash.

They returned with longans, mangoes and bananas, along with a very excited Rory who had experienced his first ever songthaew ride!

His review?

"EPIC!"

I think we can safely say that was a five-star transport experience according to Rory.

After our pool session, we all jumped aboard a songthaew and headed to Warowas Market.

This was actually the first songthaew experience for the rest of us, as Rory and Aaron had already enjoyed their first ride earlier in the day. So we were all getting to experience a little more of Chiang Mai's local transport.

There was plenty to explore, with more nick-nacks purchased, delicious smoothies consumed and ice cream enjoyed along the way.

But perhaps my most exciting purchase was my very first piece of fabric for my Thailand adventure quilt!

Two metres for 120 baht. Sewing Ally was officially activated!

Of course, I couldn't visit a market without finding something to add to my fabric collection. I am already imagining all the little memories and pieces of Thailand that will eventually make their way into this quilt. A little souvenir that will be stitched together long after we return home.

Now, this is where the day took a rather unexpected turn.

We were actually on a mission to find swimming goggles, exploring the different streets of Chiang Mai, when we stumbled across a capybara café!

Well, naturally, we couldn't just walk past that.

What followed was an absolutely brilliant animal encounter. We got to meet, interact with and feed THREE capybaras, all around one year old.

We also got to hold and interact with meerkats, spend time with rabbits and tortoises, and meet a rather adorable Bamboo Rat named Cheesecake.

Yes, Cheesecake. An excellent name for a rat, if you ask me!

A few fun capybara facts we learnt along the way:

- **They are the world's largest rodents!** These semi-aquatic animals are native to South America and are closely related to guinea pigs.

- **They are excellent swimmers.** Their partially webbed feet help them move through water, and they can hold their breath underwater for several minutes.

- **They love water.** Capybaras use water to cool down, hide from predators and generally enjoy life.

- **Toilet habits!** Capybaras commonly poop in water, which is one of their interesting ways of keeping their living areas clean.

- **The little bump!** Male capybaras have a raised scent gland on their noses, which can look like a little lump or bump. This helps them mark their territory.

I have to admit, there was a little part of us that wasn't entirely sure how to feel about the ethics of the experience. Whenever animals are involved in attractions like this, you do find yourself questioning whether it is the right environment for them and whether these interactions are necessarily in their best interests.

That said, we all came away agreeing that it was genuinely one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Getting to see these animals up close, interact with them and learn a little more about them was something none of us expected to do that day.

It's certainly an experience that will stay with us for a very long time.

What was supposed to be a quick trip to find swimming goggles had turned into one of the highlights of our day!

And the goggles? Well, after all that excitement, we did eventually manage to purchase them! Mission accomplished… eventually!

After our unexpected animal adventure, it was back to the hotel for some more pool time.

Eventually, though, it was time to get organised for dinner.

There was just one small problem… the shower had decided it no longer believed in hot water.

A technician had to be called to investigate, but thankfully it was all sorted out. We were finally able to enjoy some hot showers that evening. A small victory, but one that was very much appreciated!

For dinner, we headed to Chiang Mai Gate Market, which has an amazing collection of food stalls and plenty of options to choose from.

Aaron and I took the opportunity to try some Esan street food, while the kids, naturally, went straight for more hot chips.

Because apparently you can travel halfway around the world, explore incredible markets and discover all sorts of new foods… but hot chips will always win!

Frankie also had her first whole coconut, which was a fun little holiday milestone.

And because no dinner adventure is complete without dessert, we finished off with Nutella crepes. Absolutely delicious!

But the real entertainment of the evening came courtesy of Kailey.

Earlier in the day, Kailey and Frankie had purchased themselves some elephant pants at Warowas Market and were very excited to wear their new outfits out to dinner.

Kailey, being Kailey, had selected a particularly interesting pair. They featured golden cannabis leaves, which actually looked surprisingly pretty!

We affectionately dubbed them her *pot-pants*.

And Miss Kailey decided that wearing her new Thai-inspired outfit meant it was time to fully immerse herself in the local culture.

Her chosen method?

**"SAWASDEE-KA!"**

Walking around Chiang Mai Gate Market repeatedly yelling it out!

For those unfamiliar, Sawasdee Ka (often written Sawasdee kha) is a Thai greeting used by women when saying hello.

Kailey was absolutely delighted every time someone smiled and responded with their own Sawasdee Ka. She was collecting smiles and greetings like they were little holiday souvenirs.

Honestly, it was one of those moments that makes travelling with children so special. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she was so genuinely happy connecting with the locals in her own little way.

I suspect the locals might remember the little girl in the golden-leaf elephant pants!

After a full day of swimming, shopping, exploring markets, meeting animals, eating our way around Chiang Mai and greeting half the market, we eventually made our way back to the hotel.

We decided to put on The Lego Movie for a little family wind-down before bed.

However, I don't think any of us actually made it through the movie.

One by one, the family started dropping off, completely exhausted from the day's adventures.

And honestly, I can't blame anyone!

Day 2 delivered so much more than we had planned. From Kailey's ridiculously early morning excitement and Rory's first songthaew ride to my first Thailand quilting fabric, our first family songthaew adventure and an unexpected encounter with capybaras, it was one of those days that reminds you why travelling and making memories together is so special.

And if this is only Day 2, I think Thailand is going to have a lot more surprises in store for us!

Until tomorrow, Thailand! 🌴❤️