Sorry it's been a while, but we've discovered the fatal flaw in every travel blog - we're having way too much fun to be bothered sitting in front of a computer to tell everyone about it (that's what the slide 'torture' show is for when we get home).
Anyway, we spent a great two days in Ayutthaya checking out some very interesting piles of old bricks. Many locals were trying to tell us that these were the ruins of 15th and 16th century temples and palaces, but as we've been scammed several times here in thailand so far we're not inclined to believe them. (For those of you who have been to Ayuthaya - yes, it's every bit as awe inspiring and beautiful as you remember). Mind you, the first night there Bee stubbed her toe very badly (is this broken?-type badly) so we tuk-tukked around with the very slick Mr. Noi in his bright red "Noi Smile Happy" tuk tuk. The second day we strolled up the road to visit Wat Mahathat and Wat Ratburrana(?) which were very OMG. Sam and Bee both dug climbing around ancient ruins - Sam's friends we apologise in advance but we stopped him from taking a 'fully sick' photo climbing some VERY steep ruined stairs up the outside of a large Wat...sorry.
After Ayutthaya, 2nd class aircon train to Phitsanalok then very 'characterful' (read 'rickety and ancient) bus to Sukhothai, where more piles of old bricks. Same story from the locals too...
We have spent a great day cycling around Sukhothai, strating at 6am with a 3km+ ride to that big buddha on the hill that is the first of many must-sees. Then gentle perambulation around town, more piles of intersting bricks, market Pad Thai with the obligatory 'hah hah look at the farang slumming it at the food stalls' looks, swim in pool, blog, then scheduled for ride through rice fields to more Wat's and some somtom fried chicken and beer in the historical park for a picnic tea.
Pity us...
(PS. I bet your all REALLY looking forward to when we get the photo upload working, aren't you???)
Signing off,
Somtam Steve and the Wat-sters
