They told me to rent a bicycle to explore Ayutthaya, but I didn’t listen. I thought that the temples were in an area that could be easily explored on foot. Besides, I have a low tolerance for temple-visiting, even if it historically significant. I thought that the walks in between wats would refresh my curiosity. In reality, it’s not the distance that gets you it’s the sun, and boy, did I get a full dose today. I think that the potency of an hour of Thai sun is approximately ten times that of North American sun. I did manage to visit six of the wats (what was left anyway) that were a part of Ayutthaya when it was the capital of Thailand (1351-1767), and this made me feel very triumphant.
Despite my issues with the sun, I enjoyed my walk through Ayutthaya. The Thai government has done it’s best to maintain the sites, the sidewalks are in good order, and I enjoyed being in a place that is brimming with history. I noticed something else during my walk. The air is much cleaner than it is in Bangkok. I attribute this to the fact that this area is more agricultural than industrial. I know that I keep making comments about the air quality, but when you have spent several days in Bangkok air, you can really tell a difference upon finding fresher air. Even during our trek in Khao Yai, Sir Richard would go through a coughing fit and then say, “sorry, Bangkok Lung.”
My enchantment with Ayutthaya was augmented by my choice of hotel. The Promtong Mansion Bed and Breakast, was a bit of luxury after my Spartan, yet clean quarters at the guesthouse. The lady who ran the place, Jeeda, was so eager to please and make her guests feel welcome that I almost felt embarrassed, but I got over that really quick. For example, I was trying to find the best way to get to Kanchanburi without having to go back to Bangkok. She gave me a list of options and even gave me directions to the bus station if I made that choice. When I decided to go by minibus, she contacted the driver to make sure that I had a ride to Kanchanaburi. Really, she was a ray of sunshine and I tested her repeatedly by asking all kinds of questions about the town, the markets, any available ESL teaching jobs…..She answered all of them, and in perfect English, I might add.
