Another steamy day dawned in Thailand and we began it by venturing into the hotel restaurant for the "American Breakfast". Suffice to say that it sealed the deal on our departure from Ayutthaya tomorrow morning. However, the day was yet another busy one out there exploring the "City of Gorgeousness" (the title of a tourist information brochure I've collected). We met our tuk tuk driver near Tony's Place around the corner for a tour of many of the ancient ruins and temples. It's hard to imagine that these ruins, and they really are now just ruins and homes for pigeons, were the centre of a thriving kingdom almost 700 years ago. During a period of over 4 hundred years Ayutthaya, the then capital of Siam, was ruled by 33 kings, until in 1767 the Burmese overtook the city and then left it ruined and abandoned...quite sad really.
After this part of our tour we headed to Ayutthaya's Floating Markets. Bit of a disappointment. Just another place for tourists to buy souvenirs & cheap stuff! Although I did find my new favourite snack, coconut icecream. Just the thing for a stinking hot afternoon.
After returning to our hotel for a brief reprieve from the heat, we headed out again to join a longtail boat for a ride along the Chaophraya River and the Pasak River, with a couple of stops along the way at more temples both ancient ruins and active operating temples...with monks and chanting even...the real deal! The ride on the river was really pleasant with a cool breeze doing it's best to lower our temperatures to little or no avail. The sun, however, was more successful in making my skin a slightly darker shade of beetroot.
Dinner again at Tony's Place. Their Pad Thai is delicious & Chris enjoyed the chilli/basil chicken tonight...with a big Chang Beer! Managed to finish mine (with chopsticks) at about the same time himself finished his (with a spoon). Chopsticks aren't generally used with most Thai food EXCEPT for Pad Thai. About $8 all up...not bad! Some supplies bought from the 7/11 across the road in preparation for our 6 hour bus ride early tomorrow. An early night for two weary travellers.
