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!