Old Glory!

I was very thrilled to get a chance to visit one of my favorite cities again, Bangkok, Thailand.

I have always felt comfortable in the city that I could actually move there anytime, with the language difference as the only major adjustment.  What made the trip more exciting was that I had a side trip to another major tourist destination outside the present capital which I always wanted to see too, Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya was ancient Thailand's second capital after Sukhothai.  Sadly, the glorious city was burned to the ground by the Burmese army in 1767.  I have always been a fan of ancient ruins, so the city fits right into my to-see list.

I was warned by a friend, however, that I, having seen Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, might be in for a huge disappointment.

I have never listened to my friends.

So, on with the trip!

The tour started with a bus ride to Ayutthaya that gave me an opportunity to see more of the city...

and the beautiful countryside.

First stop was the Bang Pa In Palace...

which is very evidently well maintained.

I don't exactly know what this is, but I'm certain it is revered with all the burned incense and garlands in front.

In front of the Chinese palace with my gorgeous friend.

Wat Maha That, remnants of a glorious past.  Once the residence of the supreme patriarch.

Sitting with Buddha.

One of the many stupas in the area.

A Buddha head entangled in the roots of a very old tree.  You cannot be photographed with your head higher than Buddha's.

Wat Na Phramane, the only temple that was not sacked by the invading Burmese army during the ancient war.

The giant reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutha.  There's unfortunately no historical account of its background.

The tour culminated with a buffet lunch in a ferry that cruised along the Chao Phraya river...

which was again an opportunity for me and my lovely friends...

to see the unique cityscape of Bangkok

with its massive bridges,

and another,

the smaller ferries that ply the vibrant river,

a view of the Grand Palace,

and the Wat Arun.

Yes, Ayutthaya may not compare to Angkor Complex, but the mere fact that I was standing on ancient grounds of utmost historical importance not only to the Thais but to all mankind being a testament of ancient men's architectural superiority was more than enough reason for me to go see and experience it for myself.