What a GREAT day

Woke up way early in the morning, had a superb buffet breakfast and caught the 7AM van to get us to where the tour left. Then, we got a bus heading to the NorthEast, upriver, for about an hour, to the second traditional Thai capital--there are 4 in sequence, with Bangkok being #4.

The first temple we saw had been destroyed by the Burmese in the early 1700s. What we saw there was basically remains--walls that had been breached, Buddas with the heads (at least) removed as war trophies and partially ruined buildings. Still, very impressive.

Then, we went to one that was close by, and intact. We had to take off our shoes to go into the shrines. The first one had 2 smaller Buddas with a huge one in the back. All golden. We could take pictures, so you will see them--for now, just think ornate beyond belief. There was another shrine with a huge teak Budda and a monk beside it, collecting alms and giving away bracelets to protect children from bad spirits. Being children at heart, we each got one, a pink and a blue.

Then we went to a reclining Budda that was outside and huge. Apparently not the largest, but plenty big. It was not covered, so it was blackened by the elements, and no gold, except for little squares that the devout had placed--and there were thousands of those...

Then, to the King's Summer Palace. 42 acres, all gorgeous, with manmade pools and lakes and 20 or so buildings that were, (forgive me) fit for a King. The Palace area is still in use by the King, so there were soldiers and security and not all buildings were accessible. But the outside style was as ornate as you can imagine. The pictures you will see do not do it justice.

By this time, it was hot--well over 30 with about 98% humidity, so we were happy for the chilled wet wipes the driver was handing out.

After about a 30 minute bus ride, we boarded a riverboat for the 2 hour cruise downriver into Bangkok. The bus ride fortunately coincided with a downpour which just chucked it down for a short while then stopped. Apparently typical for this time of year. A buffet lunch was the first order of business, it being about 1:30. Downriver past temples, Thai capital #3, homes standing on posts in the river, lots of river traffic--barges and others. Fortunately, the riverboat was air conditioned or else we would have jumped ship for sure.

A quick van ride to the hotel followed by a swim in the rooftop pool. Thats the day so far, with Happy Hour and supper still to come...

Still nothing on the political front that we have seen, although apparently there are still significant tensions.