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Published: August 15th 2008
Shorter entry today because I've been spending too much time talking to people who are online on facebook! And soon we get on our 12 hour train to Chiang Mai!
So the 13th... First we went to the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit). It was closed because the King was going there later in the afternoon so they were doing security checks. We got to see the outside though and the King's feast which consisted of whole ducks and pig heads. Delicious... We then went to Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha. It is huge! Something like 40 meters long! Insane! Then the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phrakaew). The Palace was impressive! We only got to see the outside, but still, it was pretty neat! And the Emerald Buddha that's really made out of jade was pretty cool as well. Part of the palace grounds were closed for the "Lying in State" of the King's sister. She died in January and she isn't cremated until November. Long mourning time for the Royal Family!
In the evening we splurged and went to a show! I don't have the brochure with me but I think it was called Siam Niarsit or something
along those lines. First we walked through a traditional Thai village that was set up. We got to see the traditional houses, crafts, and sample some traditional food. Pretty neat! Then the show. The theater was amazing with really comfortable chairs and we got seats in the front main section! Lucky! The first part of the show went back in time to Thai history, the second part went into Heaven and Hell and then the third part was Thai celebrations. The costumes were amazing!
On the 14th we did our most touristy thing. We booked a day tour! We first went to Ayutthaya, the Ancient capital of Thailand. There were a bunch of amazing ruins that we got to walk through and climb up on. We also went to Vihan Phra Mongkol Bophit to see the largest bronze Buddha and to Wat Yai Chaimongkhol, a temple. Then Bang-Pa-In Palace, the old summer palace. It's no longer used, but still in really nice condition! We barely had time to walk around all the different buildings. Amazing architecture and intricate designs! Then a lunch boat cruise down the Chaophraya River back to Bangkok. The food was pretty good and we ate
tons so we weren't hungry until late at night. Along the bank were a bunch of different temples and Thai houses on stilts. It was a very nice day! I think maybe my favorite! I like exploring ruins.
In the evening we met part of our group. There will be 11 total, but 4 people join us later. Later we had pad thai on the street (AMAZING!) and a banana chocolate crepe which was also delicious!
This morning I had a thai massage for an hour which was very nice and relaxing and less than 8 dollars! It's interesting though because they tell you a price and then make you pay almost that much again as a tip. So it was more than I was expecting, but still cheap and worth it!
Now off to Chiang Mai!
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doug eby
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happy birthday
Happy Birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday to you!!! Happy Birthday Dear Eryn!!! Can you believe you are now 18!! Amazing!!! Hope you have a good day! Hope Brendon does something special for you!!