Training it from Bangkok to Ayuthaya



Packing for Ayuthaya

There is so much to see and do in Bangkok, it is completely impossible to see everything in a week, a month, even years-So we have decided that even though the 3 days we spent in Bangkok were the hottest, most humid and insanely chaotic experiences we have ever had- we have got to come back for more!

Not only was it one of the most interesting cultural experiences I have ever had, but it was intriguing and left us more curious than when we first arrived. We are leaving the city to head north for awhile, to get a taste of other provinces of Thailand (and to escape the heat), but we will be back! And when we do come back, it will be easier to navigate ourselves around the city since we have somewhat become accustomed to the transportation there, the mapping of districts, and the language.

 We have picked up quite a bit of the Thai language, so communication with the locals is becoming more fun now, rather than daunting. Plus, the Thai give you a lot more respect if you attempt to understand their culture and language rather than expecting them to cater to your needs. After all, thats what we are here for- to experience Thailand, not to pretend we are still in Canada.

Leaving the hotel in Sukhumvit District

  
Next we head north to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand, where there are many historical temples, ruins and monuments such as the very famous Golden Buddha!

We will be staying in a traditional Thai hut with a moat around it! Woooooooooooooooooo:)




On the train, just leaving Bangkok- passing The Grand Palace!

Click here
to see a video of the train ride




We are here! Now taking a Tuk-Tuk to our guesthouse :)

 

Pratanum & Sukhumvit, Bangkok

These power lines arent low, theyre vertically challenged :P

Click here to see one of our videos of Bangkok :)


One hilarious tuk-tuk driver






 

Another living wall,
spelling out LOVE <3



One of the walking bridges connecting to the
World Center Mall near the outdoor Pratanum Market

The Erawan Shrine

 

Going down a small winding alley
in search of food!

 In 1955 a respected astrologist, named (Admiral) Luang Suwichanphaet told the founders of the Erawan Hotel, that the original moment for laying the foundation of stone of the hotel was not favourable according the lunar period. He said it must be corrected by building a shrine of the Thao Maha Brahma and a Spirit House in the area of the hotel.
Following the admirals advice, an image was professionally sculpted in plaster and covered with a gold leaf and brought to the hotel area the following year on Nov. 9th. Each year a worship ceremony is held on this day. The shrine is also worshipped by Thais on a daily basis, where offerings of water, food, flowers and incense are given.

We passed by the Erawan Shrine on our way to the Pratanum Market and noticed it by the loud Thai music playing and the smell of incense burning. We also noticed Thais selling caged birds outside the gates of the shrine. This is for "merit-making." Most Thais believe in reincarnation, and they believe you can acheive a higher form of life through reincarnation. They try to acheive this by earning merit, through positive actions in life. Helping a fellow man, giving religious objects to a temple (like flowers and incense) and freeing a caged bird are all ways to earn merit. 

Bangkok traffic, good thing were walking!

The Outdoor Pratanum Market--
anything your heart desires. Except English.




Freshly squeezed Guava nectar!
 20 Baht!!

  

The rooftop pool @ our hotel
Lots of tropical plants!




So cool! This swing was made out of an old recycled Ox plow!



The pool and outdoor showers