sa wat dii khap!

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Hello in Thai!

The train ride from Bangkok to Ayathaya was not too bad. I fell asleep for a bit and woke up paranoid that I missed my stop. Luckily I didn't. I tried communicating w/ another group of travelers who seemed friendly untill they found out I was American. They (French maybe?) scoffed at me and turned away. Whatever. We have a pretty bad reputation due to our governments' policies and our actions in the Middle East. I don't blame them at all, but not all of us are rude, obnoxious Republicans out to destroy the world for a profit. I'm not going to let it bother me and the friendly Thai people more than make up for a few snotty and pompous assholes.

The Thai have all been so friendly and welcoming. They truly appreciate their culture and love to share it w/ us. I have spent more time conversing (trying to anyway) w/ the locals than any other travelers.

I visited the ruins in Ayathaya a couple days ago (what day is it anyway?) and was impressed. I rented a bicycle and cruised around town all day long after only a few hours sleep. I was very tired, sweaty, and sore, but it's all worth it. I'm having a great time and am still totally confused, but everything seems to always work out.

Not much is in English outside the tourist areas. Actually most signs are in their script and I can't ever seem to find any street signs. They must have an excellent sense of direction because none of the intersections are labeled. I end up asking someone and usually just pointing on the map. Works out sometimes, others I end up walking around for hours. Blisters galore!

I'm in Sukhothai now and went to the Sukhothai Historical Park which is a World Heritage site. It really is amazing! It's has been very well preserved and it's extemely easy to get around w/ a bicycle. One more day here (today), and I'm off to Chiang Mai in the mountains where I will do a 3 day trek through the jungle to the highest peak in Thailand, Doi Inthanon. Riding elephants, visiting native tribe villages, camping, and riding a bamboo raft back down the river are on the list. Sounds fun and I think it's the same trek Nate did last year.

I'll try to update later.

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Photos

Bangkok street scene
bridge over a canal in Bankok

Bangkok
backpackers central - Khao San Rd

Ayathaya
Wat (temple in Thai) in Ayathaya Histortical Park

Sukhothai
Wat (temple in Thai) in Sukhothai Histortical Park

Sukhothai
Wat (temple in Thai) in Sukhothai Histortical Park

Sukhothai
Wat (temple in Thai) in Sukhothai Histortical Park

Sukhothai
Wat (temple in Thai) in Sukhothai Histortical Park

Sukhothai food
very good noodles from a market stall (10 baht)!

Comments

[Mom]

Great pictures!
The pictures are great! I especially like the one with the lily pads. I might print that one to hang in my classroom. When you go into the jungle see if you can get some close-ups of some interesting insects or other creatures. Love, Mom

[Genie]

Awesome pics!
Hey buddy! How's my favorite puckered starfish? These pics are amazing! Glad you're having fun :)

[coco]

wow! adventure!
so i did most of your dishes-it was getting rank. fish is happy-i can't get your itunes without w/o erasing what i have already. boo. your trip is looking incredible so far. what day u comin' back? imma go to sf for a couple days april 5-8 i hope those aren't the days you come back. have fun! eat lotsa noodles! buy me some dope knock-offs!!!

[Lizzie]

Oh my gosh
It's so beautiful there. You're very lucky. And sweaty.

[Beth]

This is Amazing
Brian you are so lucky. i have to do this. I am gonna plan to in a couple years. how amazing. remember if you see and weird cool thai jewelry i'll pay you back times two. These picyures are so beautiful.

[Sam]

Hey Mang
Nice pics. Looks like you're doing awright. Hey, you forgot to send me the link to the x-rated page with all the naked pics of little Thai girls. Just kidding Brian's mom! ;) But seriously, you gotta visit Gary Glitter and give him a wack with the ole bamboo cane? Sorry I missed your departure. I went to class and found out I was done and wasn't even supposed to be there. So I just went home and crashed hard. That 8 pm to 4:30 am shift is kicking my ass! Enjoy yo'self and bring back some nasty stories. Only stories ya hear?