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I woke at 6.15 and had breakfast at 6.45 and the minibus came to pick me up at 7.15.
We drive around picking everyone up which took another hour as it was rush hour traffic and we didn't get onto the highway until 8.30. The driver was very happy and friendly and had air con on so it wasn't too hot.
There were about 10 of us and all different nationalities - Spanish, Italian and American but no one else from the UK!!
The first temple we visited was called Wat Phukhao Thong which is just outside the city of Ayutthaya. It was built by U-Tong in 1357 for the purpose of meditation.
At 9.45 we arrived at the ancient city of Ayutthaya which is known as the second capital of Thailand. We visited the Ancient palace and Wat Phra si Sanphet which was the capital for 417 years.
We then went on to see one of the largest bronze Buddhas in Thailand in Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit.
We stopped at an outside restaurant where we we joined by the other two tour buses and had a Thai lunch which consisted of rice, vegetables, chicken and omelette. For pudding we had melon and pineapple which was lovely.
Then back on the bus to visit the last place. This was called Wat Phra Mahatet and is located in front of the palace and ways built in 1374.
I took photos but I can't remember which ones were taken where as there was so many stops!
I also had my photo taken by the elephant Mahoot with two young elephants. One of them knelt down with its legs crossed and I sat on his knee!!
After this stop we got back on the bus and headed back to Bangkok. We did a quick stop at a petrol station where the petrol pump attendant lifts the bonnet and sticks in the pipe. It took over TEN minutes to fill - I couldn't believe how long it took!!
When we arrived at the coin museum which wasn't far from the Khaosan road everyone got out and started walking off!! I asked the driver what was happening and he said that everyone was walking back to their lodgings. I asked how far it would be for me to walk and he said too far!! As my guest house was the longest distance away he asked his mate if he could drop me off but being Friday afternoon he wanted to get home quick so in the end the driver said he would run me back. It was rather funny and after such a smooth running day it ended in a bit of confusion!! So I jumped back in the front of the minivan and on the way back was getting lessons on speaking Thai!! He dropped me off at the 7-11 which was at the end of the road of the guest house and I got a few supplies. I got back exhausted and dripping so I had a lovely cool shower and fell asleep in my bed for three hours. This is where I am now - sitting in the open air patio of the little house drinking cold juices. I have arranged for a mini van to pick me up at 11am tomorrow to take me to bangkok airport for my flight at 14.30 to Phuket. This flight is an hour and fifteen minutes so not too bad!! It's only costing about £56 which is not much more than the cost of a 12 hour bus ride and I don't really want to spend all those hours sitting on a bus.
Well that's it for today. I will update you once I have settled in A1 Guest House in Phuket.
Good night all (or afternoon if you're reading this in the UK!! x
- comments
Laure First time I see your picture and I see you with 2 elephants! Isnt't that incredible! Have a nice trip tomorrow!
farflungpal I know - it's great isn't it Laure! x