Jon and I had our first experience with the train system of Thailand today...our train was scheduled to leave Bangkok at 10:05 a.m. and in reality we departed around 10:35 a.m. Certainly a change from the efficiency of the Japanese rail system and even gave us better appreciation for Chicago's sometimes efficient trains.
Once we arrived at Ayuthaya's station we had to make our way over to the river ferry. Ayuthaya is actually an island...makes for a very large moat for this ancient capital! We could have swam across faster but then who wants to even put a finger in that water. :)
I was pleasantly surprised by the Baan Lotus Guesthouse...it is a restored teak house run by a family who also resides there. It is just around the corner from most of the action (if you can call it that in this small town) and it is set back from the road so it is nice and quiet. The room is very large and immaculate...plus we have air conditioning--a must here!
We spent the afternoon exploring one of the most famous Wats in the city...Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Most of the buildings are in ruins but there are three large intact Chedis or stupas which contain the ashes of the previous Kings of Ayuthaya. It is amazing that you can climb all over these buildings and ruins...probably not a good thing for their preservation but fun nonetheless. According to what we read, there were many gold or gilded statues in this Wat, which was used mostly for royal ceremonies versus a place of worship by monks, but after the Burmese invaded no gold remained. In fact, no intact Buddha image remained.
So many Wats to see...so little time! :)
Love,
D&J
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