The Six Temples of Ayutthaya on our 27th Anniversary!

Yesterday was mine and Darrell's 27th Anniversary and seven years since we were married in 2015; another milestone reached, as we continue to travel across the World. I had arranged a special excursion for this day, with Bangkok City Tours, and I wasn't disappointed. It was good to go somewhere different on our Anniversary, somewhere memorable and somewhere that has enriched both of our lives.

We were picked up by our tour guide Ta Wee Sin from our hotel at 7am; yes, it was an early start, but with my body clock still firmly on European time, it didn't bother me too much. The heavens had opened that morning and the rain was falling thick and fast. The roads were dark and drenched in water, and I had a terrible feeling Thursday would be a complete washout. Fearing the worst, but hoping for the best, I stayed positive, grabbing two umbrellas from the hotel as we went, just in case.

Darrell and I were the second two passengers, after our American friend from Texas, Osmin. Ta Wee Sin then drove to the next hotel where we picked up Sandrine and Charlotte, her daughter from France and finally a Brazilian couple; seven of us thrown together on a tour of world heritage site Ayutthaya and the six temples. At a cost of 1600 thb each, which is roughly £30.00, we set out on a full day journey to the most important Wats or temples in the park, where we would discover much about Thai history and a past littered with war and conflict. This was my kind of day rather than Darrell's, although he also thoroughly enjoyed the experience and like me was fascinated by a past unfolding before us.

I visited Angkor Wat in Cambodia in 2019, which was an experience like no other, so I was expecting much the same in Thailand, although the Wat's here are not as big. Nevertheless, they are equally impressive and steeped in historic significance. As someone who loves Buddhism and the symbolism behind it, I was amazed by Ayutthaya and just how primitive people could have constructed such a site; it truly was a marvel of the ancient World!

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Bang Pa-In

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Our first stop was the Summer Palace, Bang Pa-In. Compared with the temples, this was distinctly modern, with various styles of architecture on display. There were classical, European, Chinese and Thai, all sitting happily in extensive grounds, perfectly manicured, lovingly cared for and looked after.

After the deluge of the morning and an hour's drive North, the weather was sunny and hot once again, which although a relief, meant for another humid day. Darrell and I had twenty minutes to explore this complex, when we could have spent all day, but being on an organised tour, this is what you expect, in order to see as much as you can.

We were instructed to wear our face masks and with guards and soldiers everywhere, taking our temperature and making sure we were following the rules, we set off for a quick look around, and it was beautiful. In many respects you could say this was a folly, a park built by a King to satisfy his desire to experience different cultures in the privacy of his Summer Palace; but it had been clearly and precisely executed and looked perfect in every way. This was a lovely place to visit and should be a must for any tourist to see.

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Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon - Great Monestry of Auspicious Victory!

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This stunning Temple was left abandoned until the 1950s, after Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767. However, this was one of the best preserved Wat's on our tour. Today it is still used by the monks as a Monastery in part and of course a place to worship. Walking around, I was struck by how quiet and peaceful it was, even with all the tourists in tow.

There was plenty to see on our brief stay, and I was captivated by the many statues of Buddha dressed in golden cloth, so asked Ta Wee Sin, what the significance of this was. He explained it is a symbol of respect and that if we stroked the cloth and made a wish it would come true. Of course, I duly followed his lead and did so, not expecting too much in return.

Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon was a stunning place to visit. I liked the hundreds of Buddha's everywhere, it really did give it a safe feel for me. I am not religious, but if I was, Buddhism would be my first choice. Ta Wee Sin also explained his love of Buddhism; having worked as a tour guide for more than thirty-seven years and meeting so many lovely tourists, he wants to eventually spend the rest of his days studying Buddhism and devoting his life to a faith that is deep within his soul!

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Wat Maha That

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Wat Maha That is the oldest temple in Ayutthaya, built around 1380 and famous for Buddhas image trapped within a Bodhi Tree. This was another impressive Wat, interestingly built from brick and not stone as Angkor Wat was. This is probably why all of these temples are less well-preserved, but however, no less impressive.

Walking around the complex you get an idea of the vastness of these religious sites and as I set foot, where many feet have trod, I noticed imprints from those who have gone before. There was even graffiti from a bygone age, as intact as the monument it was written.

Most people visit this Wat for the Bodhi Tree and as Ta Wee Sin took our photograph, I felt deeply honoured to be there. This is indeed a special place for Thai people, but it is more than that, it is a part of all our history and an imprint of a tumultuous past that still has an impact on people today. This living history not only records the past in its walls, but it also teaches us lessons for the future.

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Phra Buddha Sai Yat - The Reclining Buddha

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This 400-year-old reclining Buddha is the fourth largest in Thailand, 43 meters long and 15 meters high. Built of cement and brick, it is probably one of the best preserved monuments we saw. The reason why it is in such good condition, is because it has been protected from the elements at various different points in its history.

We only had a very short time to connect with this Buddha, but it was relaxing, just sitting staring at this glorious statue and watching pilgrims light candles and burn incense sticks. Alone with my thoughts, I was able to say a prayer or two of my own.

The significance of the reclining Buddha, you may be interested to know, is to show that all beings have the potential to be awakened and released from the cycle of death and rebirth!

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Viham - Shrine of Buddha's Image

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This impressive structure was all but quiet when we arrived. There were Monks going about their business, and you could hear the noise of cockerels calling around the site. There are images of Buddha everywhere and in the centre, this tall, almost Romanesque monument, which Darrell climbed to the top of, looking down across the paddy fields and lakes filled with lily pads. According to Darrell, there was a shrine to Buddha inside.

As he left he banged his head on the small doorway, nearly knocking himself out, but despite his bruised head and loss of pride, he thoroughly enjoyed the climb. For me, well, it was nice just sat alone at the bottom gazing at the Thai countryside around me. This is why I have come to Thailand, this is what makes me want to live again!

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Authentic Thai Lunch with New Friends

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We had a beautiful Thai lunch in a traditional Thai restaurant, where all of us got to know one another over a few beers. Each of us there were travelling for different reasons, all from very different backgrounds and countries, but we all seemed to get on well enough, as we munched our way through some authentic home cooked cuisine.

It did feel a little unnerving sat next to a rather menacing looking river, with water pouring over the roof of the restaurant, but it was decidedly tropical in the countryside and a welcome break from the bright lights of Bangkok.

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Wat Phra Si Sanphet

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At the time of its destruction in 1767, Wat Phra Si Sanphet was the grandest and indeed the holiest of temples in the Ayutthaya Kingdom, and it is easy to see why. Despite being mostly ruins now, the large footprint of the Wat and the sheer number of buildings, looks on the surface at least to be unmatched. This was the most impressive temple we went to, and it seemed apt, it was our last stop of the day.

We wandered around with Osmin looking at this historic site and by the end of this tour, I think, rather like us, he was exhausted, having seen more temples than one could possibly want or need to see in a lifetime. By now the temperatures had surpassed 36 degrees, and we were literally burning, so we quickly left for the shade of a covered market, just near the entrance to the Wat. Still chatting with Osmin, who is travelling alone in Thailand, I was impressed by his sense of adventure, after all as far as I knew, most Texans had never left Texas, let alone travelled thousands of miles away to another country.

We had a lovely journey on the way back to the hotel, conversing with new-found friends, which is what travelling is all about. It felt like we were the new pioneers, having just entered Thailand when restrictions were lifted very recently, after the pandemic. There are still many barriers to tourism here at the moment, but most native Thai's were glad to see us, and continue to offer us a warm welcome wherever we travel.

Bangkok City Tours was a dream, and I was so glad we chose to go with them. Ta Wee Sin was a joy to listen to during our six temple tour and I would thoroughly recommend this company. The knowledge and expertise of our guide was mesmerising and without him and his amazing photography skills, I think our experience of Ayutthaya would have been all the poorer.

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Anniversary Meal on So Samsen

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..... And finally after an early start and a hard day we went to So Samsen for another traditionally cooked Thai meal, which was delicious.

I can't believe Darrell and I have been together for 27 years, but I am always glad we are travelling the World on our anniversary, doing what we love best, because that is what makes us who we are. Oh, we argue a little more than we used to, but that just comes with the territory when you get old and have been together so long. However, I wouldn't have us any other way, and as long as we keep travelling, we will be together; the pandemic is over, it's time to start exploring once again!

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