The Winos were up and ready to go by 8:30. It was an optional group field trip but the others decided not to come. Our destination: Ayutthaya, the old capitol of Thailand. We took the subway to the train station and then rode for three hours. It was a step down from the train ride to Chiang Mai. We had butts in our faces, sitting on our arm rests and a lady almost finding a spot on Drexler's lap. It was a joy when we got off.
We songthaewed it to the fourth King of Thailand's summer palace. This palace had some interesting buildings. It was odd to be walking through 18th century Europe, for starters. There were Greek statues everywhere, the buildings were straight from the French countryside, and then there was the random Chinese temple used as a dining hall. The tiles inside were hand made so each one was a little bit different. Right by that was an astronomy tower. Across the river, which we crossed by cable car, was a temple. In the design of a Gothic church. Stained glass windows, suits of armor, big chandelier in the ceiling, the works. And there was a monk watching over everyone praying and explaining the history of the place to those who asked. Most interesting place on the trip.
Drexler wanted to take a boat to our second destination and it was so peaceful. The best part was that everyone on the shores would wave to us as we passed. We were superstars again. Our next stop was a temple with one of the biggest Buddha statues around. The temple had to be made extra tall just to make sure it would be indoors. The group there was a mix of people taking pictures and those making merit. They did not mesh well.
The final stop was at yet another temple, one that was not destroyed when an invading army attacked. I snapped a picture of a nun and when I was praying a monk called me over to him. One more thing crossed off my bucket list: blessed by a monk. We even got a free bracelet out of it.
Since Drexler wanted to be able to sit down on the way back we sat in the dining car. One last free meal and the last meal in Asia. It was back to the guesthouse after that to pack for the ride back. I will write about that next time, going to keep this blog going as long as I can.
