Ayutthaya

Sunday we visited the ancient capital of Thailand: Ayutthaya. We drove an hour outside of the city to get to this place. Our first stop involved checking out the ruins of the city. It was blazing hot, but we managed to run from tree shade to tree shade to get some pictures. Unfortunately we didn't have a tour guide with us, so I don't know much about the city and why it came to be ruined.

The next stop was to a Temple and market. Inside the temple was a GIANT Buddha made of (or perhaps just covered) in gold. We also explored the attached market and saw all sorts of interesting food. We ate something comparable to cotton candy in a crepe (better than it sounds) and we saw all sorts of sea creatures on sticks cooked on a grill.

Finally, our last stop was a white reclining Buddha (still within the city of Ayutthaya). There really wasn't much to see besides that, but the Buddha itself is quite amazing!

Flat Mya at the Reclining Buddha

The giant gold Buddha

Outside the Temple

At the ruins

More ruins - this buddha was surrounded by similar, smaller sculptures that had all been rendered headless.

Markets, boats and Chinatown

Saturday (our first full day in Bangkok) found us exploring JJ Market and seeing the city from the water. I took the Sky Train to JJ Market (also known as "Chatuchak Weekend Market") where there are 6000 stalls! I didn't fully understand when my professor's said that you could buy ANYTHING in Thailand, but they were not kidding. You can buy anything here! The markets are filled with everything your little heart desires. Most of it is knock-off, so prices are very inexpensive.

I didn't spend much time at the market and in the end probably saw 100 stalls at the very most. The most exciting purchase I made was fresh cut mango. Fresh fruit is available on every corner - so delicious!

Our next adventure had us taking a boat down Chao Phraya River. The boat made lots of stops which gave us an idea of what was available to do in Thailand. This is where I got my first glimpse of Wat Pho (Wat meaning temple), which is a famous temple in Bangkok (although not the ONLY temple). We didn't explore the temple, but I will be making time to do that before we leave. It is also the sight of the Reclining Buddha. I also learned that this is a great place to get an authentic Thai massage. Apparently the munks train for 5 years before being allowed to practice on a person. It sounds like it will be worth my time ;-)

Finally, a couple of us got off the boat to explore Chinatown. This was an experience I'm glad I had, but I am not overly eager to repeat it. Chinatown was VERY crowded! There are small side streets which a crammed with vendors and people. Thankfully I've embraced the environment and am not letting myself get stressed. I'm really working on accepting everything for what it is and experiencing everything I can. So far it appears to be working for me.

The pictures include an image of the King (who is reveared in Thailand), some of the long boats we saw on the river and a temple (not sure which one). I have also included a picture of Flat Mya experiencing Bangkok. She is having a great time!

Today I am on my way to Ayuthya (spelling is definitely off) which is the ancient capital of Thailand. Let the adventure begin!

Departure from Hong Kong, Arrival in Bangkok

The first leg of my journey has come to an end. I left Hong Kong this morning and have arrived in Bangkok. Thankfully the humidity in Bangkok is not as intense as HK was. The humidity and heat made a lethal combination which made it difficult for me to function. I struggled to do simple tasks and did not always enjoy my excursions because of the heat :-(

Hong Kong was a great experience, I am so happy I made the effort to go (thanks for suggesting it Dad). It was so wonderful to reconnect with people I haven't seen for 15 years. It was as though no time had passed! I am so happy it worked out so well - what wonderful people to have re-enter my life.

I will absolutely need to go back to HK - there is so much left to be experienced. I didn't get to the Tai-O fishing village, Life cafe or Macau Island - and that's only the tip of the iceburg! I may chose a different time of year though, July was just too much for me. Perhaps I will consider going when it gets "cold" (down to 5).

Now I have moved onto Thailand. I connected with my group (two professors and several other students) and am typing from Bangkok. We will get to spend most of a week exploring Bangkok before Chiang Mai. I am excited about everything I've seen so far! It's a busy place, but in a different way than Hong Kong. There are pink taxis and we saw houses built on stilts in the water. I can't wait to start exploring! This is going to be such a wonderful experience!!

Final Hong Kong Pictures

Here is the last batch of HK pictures.

The Po Lin Monastery. I didn't learn much about this monastery, but it was built in 1924.

A view of Lantau Island from the cable car I took to get to Big Buddha. The views were stunning!

The Hong Kong skyline on my last night.

Nicole (my fantastic host) and I on the ferry over to Kowloon.

More pictures!

The view from Big Buddha on the island of Lantau.

The view of Big Buddha. I don't know much about the significance of the statue, but I know it was built quite recently (I believe 1993 or 1996). There are 268 steps that must be taken to get up to the Buddha's level. There is also a monastery located nearby (picture to follow).

A view of the harbour outside IFC mall. There is lots of construction taking place. Over my right shoulder is Kowloon.

A view of Hong Kong from my The Peak. You take a train up to the Peak and it affords a stunning view. Apparently I was extremely lucky since every day I was there was sunny and clear (usually it's cloudy and overcast).

Another view from The Peak - lots of self-portraiting.

Finally some pictures!!

My vegetarian buffet lunch at the Fringe Club. It was delicious and so fresh!

My twin and I at Stanley Beach. Beth and I have been confused for each other and have been asked if we're sisters for as long as we've known each other. Apparently spending time on the other side of the world did nothing to dispel that thought!

One of the many diverse views in Hong Kong. Otherwise known as a place I don't remember the name of ;-)

Hot Pot: spicy on the right and not spicy on the left. Delicious!!

One of my first days in Hong Kong, standing outside the apartment I stayed at. There were lots of vendors selling fruits and vegetables and there were also hawkers who collected stuff people were getting rid of and sold it. The street was very steep (although the picture doesn't do it justice) - my legs got their workout!

I arrived in Hong Kong on Canada Day and I've spent the last 3 days familiarizing myself. I have been astonished (and continue to be) by the number of people who speak English! I can make my way through the city with total ease - it's so mind boggling!! Most people speak some English and all the signs are in Cantonese AND English. It has made my transition easy, but at times makes me feel guilty and snobby - "I'm from North America and I expect you to be able to speak MY language". Apparently I'm having no trouble getting past the guilt though! ;-)

I've experienced some of the local culture, but mostly I've spent my time reconnectig with three women I haven't seen in 15 years! It's amazing because it's as though no time has passed. Two of them are teaching English in Hong Kong and the third in Korea. They are managing to sell me on the high points of teaching here - it's possible I could be convinced...

The most interesting thing I've found about HK is that there is so much diversity. You can walk for ten minutes an find yourself leaving a less wealthy area to a street with Coach and Louis Vuitton. Then hop on a train only to find yourself leaving sky scrapers behind for beautiful mountains(without much habitation). It's so amazing!

I've also discovered that it's HOT! There is no escaping the humidity - I have resigned myself to being a sweaty mess! Thankfully every building has intense air conditioning which helps to cool me down.

I've eaten some fantastic food since I've been here! One of my friends insisted we try "Hot Pot" and I am so glad that she did! A description will not do it justice, but I can promise you that it's outstanding! We spent several hours at the restaurant cooking vegetables in a pot of boiling, seasoned water in the centre of our table and enjoying the company. A fanastic experience. And today I stumbled on a beautiful vegetarian lunch buffet with fresh veggies and amazing Indian food. Getting food here is NOT a problem. Apparently a large percentage of people eat out in HK because it's so cheap.