Ayuthaya

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Hi all,

So, today we woke up early again, had a decent breakfast at a nice spot just down the street from our guest house and then headed off to the train station to catch a ride to Ayuthaya (a former capital of Thailand). We thought there was a train leaving Bangkok every hour, but maybe since it was Saturday there wasn't as many and so we had to wait about an hour and a half. Fortunately for us, during this waiting period we were befriended by an interesting, older Thai fellow. He was interested to hear that we came from Toronto, but more interested in telling us a little bit about the history of Thailand and more significantly, why Bangkok is such a crazy place. "20 million people live in Bangkok. Crazy place. Another 10 million more coming into the city for work. Toronto, 4 million people. Bangkok, small city, 20 million people." He was a nice man, and there didn't seem to be any hustle involved, which was nice. He did, however, lack his front teeth (top and bottom), and proceeded to spit on us as he talked. Oh, he was also missing an eye (left eye according to Sarah).

So once we boarded the train things went fairly smoothly, and we arrived at our destination in about an hour and a half. The train ride there was pretty interesting. The cars were really old and had large windows that came all the way down so you could stick your head out. Also, women came up and down the aisles during the ride selling stuff incessantly.

We arrived in Ayuthaya around 1 pm, at the hottest part of the day, and decided to walk to the street where the guest houses are. According to the guidebook it was supposed to be a ten minute walk. Sure seemed a lot longer in the blistering sun with all our stuff. Anyhow, after some struggles finding the street, some nice motorcycle-taxi-ists directed us to the street and before we were halfway down we were ushered in to a guest house by some nice people who promised 250 baht rooms. We took a quick look and decided the place was just fine for us. The guy at the front desk also recommended a two hour river tour around the island (Ayuthaya is an island) and so we took it. Ended up being pretty great - got to see some ruins and a(nother) giant budda. Well worth it.

So tonight we stayed around our guest house - Tony's Place - and enjoyed some cheap thai food. We think all the tourists in town are here for food and drink (about 15 people). And, tonight is our first night without a/c. Hopefully some sleep will be had.

All for now. Hope all is well on the other side of the globe.

S and A.

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Photos

7-Eleven
Seriously, there are 7-Elevens everywhere. Good place to find cheap beer.

Comments

[Dad S]

Beer or Water
Sounds like Y R having great time .... is the beer tasty and how much? keep I out for a cheap watch.

[Mom - Debbie]

Hey you guys...I am green with envy. But what I really need to know is how you found out that you gave out the wrong cell number? I haven't tried calling you yet (I've been good). XXOOO

[apple baum1]

Beer is pretty cheap, but relative to everything else it is expensive. Costs anywhere between 35 and 50 baht for 650ml bottle at the 7-eleven (there are 7-elevens everywhere here) which is about 1 - 1.50 CAD - 60-95 baht at a restaurant. It's 12 baht for 1.5L bottle of water.