Bangkok and Beyond - Temples in Ayutthaya

Day 2

Temples in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya

Today was our first real day of exploring the rich history of Bangkok in the form of its many temples. Although we were tired and still a little shellshocked from our long flight (the first for many of us) it became obvious that religion, specifically Buddhism is a major part of Thai life.

We first visited the Summer Palace of the Royal Family, a massive complex of buildings in many different styles, also holding a powerful contrast between the slums and ruinous buildings that were apparent in many places in Bangkok. A major part of Thai decoration, it seems, is topiaries which were in every garden and even along the major highways. In the Palace we saw a turtle-hungry Water Monitor (halfway through a meal) and all the females had to wear Sarongs to follow the local customs.

From the Palace we travelled to the north, to a temple which housed the Reclining Buddha and a game we all enjoyed playing though the fortunes that we received were somewhat dodgy! After Toy (our fantastically knowledgeable native guide) explained to us the history of the three huge Stupas at the third temple complex she let us explore the market where we picked up many bargains including Bob Marley pants and Thai Boxing shorts.

On the bus ride home we played a game called How Many People Can Get To Like Us Through Waving. The results: Many hundred including people in the back of utes, one brilliant van and a man with a poodle on the handlebars of a bike.

Back at the Indra we went to the markets next to the hotel where Liv bargained her way to many designer label knockoffs, one man trying to get Darcy to buy a mobile phone shaped Tazer!

Dinner was in the style of buffet before we embarked upon the journey of discovery that is “Siam Niramit”, this show of wonders included real elephants on the stage, 500 different costumes and a full size river! We didn't understand the show much (not speaking Thai) but we all enjoyed the depiction of Buddhist fiery hell, holding a place for people who kill animals (to eaten by demons), drinkers of alcohol (boiled alive, drinking boiling water) and adulterers (climbing a thorny tree).

Today was the first full day of our journey, definitely one to remember!

High spirits as the tour begins

Day 1
Leaving for Bangkok

One by one, we trickled into the airport, from all parts of Victoria, akubra clad and excited. We were at the airport relatively on time, all ready to get to going, despite the fact we had another 3 hours of waiting in the airport before we could board our flight. Lunch and a few hundred photos before we give our kisses and final goodbyes and then through to customs. All clear and and boarded at 4:00pm, we were bouncing off the walls for the first 4 hours. Eventually we settled down into flight mode, reading, sleeping and having animated discussions over an airport-bought Cosmo (a deep thought read for the boys).

The fine Thai meals gave us a taste of Thai cuisine which added to the anticipation. We landed on time and disembarked at 9:00pm Bangkok time (1:00am in Melbourne) and after the usual wait at the baggage carousel we hurried through customs to meet our guide, 'Toy'. She and her manager draped us in leis, which confused us slightly – were we in Hawaii or Thailand – until we realised they were Thai orchids and that we were, in fact, in the heart of Bangkok, where the high rise meet the slums along the freeways, and where the humidity hits you as you step into the open air.

We were treated again in the hotel lobby with small juice called Bael, that has to be an acquired taste. Perhaps, we won't be drinking that a breakfast ... We caught the lifts to our assigned rooms, had a quick shower and, somehow, after all the excitement we were still able to sleep in our comfortable and spacious rooms, the hustle and bustle and city noises lulling us to sleep, ready to greet the new day with excitement and enthusiasm.

The Premier's Spirit of ANZAC Tour had started for real.