As we approached the elephants for the first time I was taken aback by their incredibly gentle nature. They are quiet, and relaxed animals. They moved around us with curiousity, and caution while we stood in awe. I was surprised at how small their eyes were and how they seemed to be as interested in seeing me as I was them.
Ayutthaya is the second capital of Siam, after Sukothai. From 1350-the mid 1700’s it was one of the most important and cosmopolitan cities in the world. In 1767 the Burmese army overtook the city and burnt it to the ground.
I was lucky enough to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khao Yai yesterday. This national park was formed by the Thai government in 1962. In 2005 it became a UNESCO site.
The Phra Maha Chedi Tripob Trimongkol in Hat Yai is the first and one of only three stainless steel chedis/temples in the world.
This is our itinerary for the first weeks in Thailand. We will be traveling the whole country in five weeks.
It is very easy to find amazing hotels in Thailand and not spend more than 100.00 per night including breakfast. It is possible to travel through the country cheaply without jumping on a songtaew or mini-van. We have booked VIP buses for 12.00 per person, flights for 33.00 each and ferrys for about 24.00 per person.
We came back to the states four days ago. It hasn’t been as shocking of a transition as our move back from Italy 9 years ago. However, there are still some things I will miss, and some things I won’t.
The closer we get to the date we leave the more I feel I should be packing just in case I can’t get it in Utila and I decide I must have it in the next 6 months.
Utila, this little tiny island in Honduras just completely blew me away when I visited last week! I got so much more than I ever …