We had no idea, about this place.

Just had a few days we needed to use up.

Roy suggested going back to Bangkok, but neither of us was really interested in 

going back to the busy , often chaotic , hustle of Bangkok.

So I seen this town and looked up what to do here.

 Turns out this is the place to see in Thailand.

 

In the sixteenth century it was described as one of the wealthiest and biggest cities in the

east.Asia.

Ayutthaya's was friendly toward all foreign traders and allowed them to 

 set up villages outside the walls of the capital. 
 
 They were compared to Paris for size and wealth.


They were the Thai Capital for 417 years. Founded in 1350.

They have had over 800 years of living here.


There are three towns that we really have enjoyed.

Chang Mai and Ayutthaya. Hua Hin

Ayutthaya is probably first choice.

The people are very friendly, this town has a lot of Bangkok tourist that come on day tours

and leave. 

It is beautiful here. Because Ayutthaya has been in existence for so long it is spread

over a large area.

There are ruins everywhere. Some in back yards. 

This is a UNESCO site. With huge parks that can take hours to explore.

Water, and bridges are everywhere.

Green bushes, grass and trees are plentiful. Flowers .

The food is great, and its everywhere.

The smiles are constant.

Food is cheap as well as rentals.

Wonderful cafes. And blended Iced coffee! And fresh coconuts are plentiful.

 

I am really amazed at myself. I really thought I'd be so excited to get home. And I am.

But I am also going to miss Thailand. It was a very poignant time this morning , looking

at hotels in Phoenix. Got a bit chocked up, I'm afraid.

Its a bit like saying goodbye to a great friend and knowing I probably will never see them again.

We have had such a great time.

So many laughs, great experiences, such incredible sights that we have seen.

A whole new world from what we were use to.

There are thousands of things we like about Thailand and of course a few we don't like.

Some things that are different are.

Roy 's paper towels - for those that don't know. Roy has a thing about paper towels, needless

to say we use a lot of them. They are so important to Roy that the kids got him a case of them

from Costco for Christmas one year. He was thrilled!

Well, in Thailand Toilet paper is usually and almost always used for paper towels.

Wiping your hands after washing is a real challenge.

Napkins ----are these tiny little things even a lady needs 4 of them to use.

TV-- the four worst channels in the USA are the best it gets in Thailand. If you can find a 

channel that even speaks english. 

Taking your shoes off is the bane of Roys existence.

Ledges everywhere. You are either stepping up to the bedroom or stepping down to the bath

room. Stubbing toes is a common practice. Scars to prove it.

Oriental beds. They are a wood platform that you lay your mattress on. They always stick out

  about

6 inches beyond the mattress on all sides.

They are the perfect height for whacking your shins. Constantly!

Scooter- they are like busy little bees, constantly buzzing.

They are everywhere, on streets, on sidewalks, you constantly have to be on guard, they

have the right of way.

I don't know what its like the rest of the year but for the three months we have been here

humidity is an ever present factor.

I defy any toxin to come close to my body.

I have sweated more profusely than I ever knew was possible.

Now , Roy on the other hand. Sweats a bit, but it doesn't seem to bother him much.

Great things

Everything is green

It is always warm in the morning when you get up.

Wonderful to sit out and have your coffee and just enjoy the birds singing, and the breeze.

A very special time

The Thai people. They are warm , friendly, and so very helpful.

Many times if we are looking at a map, some one will come up and ask "where you go?"

Their honesty. If you give them to much money they hand it back.

Roy dropped a bill on the sidewalk and a young man came running picked it up and handed it

  back to us.

The Thais smiles they are always present.

Hotels, food, and transportation are very cheap.

Tours, are very reasonable, You can get all kinds. By the hour, half day, or full day.

The history. It is so interesting to find out about a whole different way of life than what we 

experience in the US.

The ancient ruins, the old buildings. Trees that look so different from ours. The Buddha 

Religion. The Wats. Old temples. The Rivers, ocean beaches. The pristine beaches of the 


 Islands, 

The new experience on a flash flood.

The horror and sadness of mans inhumanity to man on the Death Railroad.

Learning all the new towns. Where the best meals are , where the best places to visit.

so many things to learn and enjoy.

 
Last winter we were visiting with Roys sister Marilyn and her daughter.
 
and telling them about wanting

to visit Thailand and Michelle responded with" That would be the Trip of a Life time"

And it most certainly was.
 

Thanks to all that have gone along on our journey with us.

We truly hope you enjoyed it as much as we have
 
We head to Bangkok in the morning.

leave out of there at 6 :30 am Tuesday morning and will be in Phoenix at 5:30 Tuesday night