This farang took a fall - Bkk to AyuthuyaFeb 26, 2008
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KANCHANABURI - - -
After saying goodbye to the gals (Kristy, Zara, Shirley), Lucy and I stayed near Khao San in Bangkok for a couple days. I decided to join her to Kanchanaburi
- a great opportunity to escape the craziness of Bangkok only to return in time for the weekend markets.
We took an early train on the 20th - a slower option but more enjoyable as it's very scenic - not to mention the history behind the railway - a.k.a the "death railway" - the railway built by predominantly British and Australian POW's (along with some Burmese, Americans, some Indians) demanded by Japanese troops.
First day we relaxed by our pool. We took the kayaks out for an hour after haggling over the rental price - it worked!
Got a back massage after dinner - nearly fell asleep. We signed up for a fast and furious tour the next day - started with elephant trekking (the guys were smacking and prodding the elephants with metal hooks - I was holding back tears the entire time and eventually asked them to stop smacking my elephants bum - they laughed but stopped for the time being.). Went bamboo rafting, then to the Erawan waterfalls where we climbed and climbed to see 7 gorgeous waterfalls.
Next day I walked over to the Jeath War Museum to learn abou the railways - thousands upon thousands died in the 1-year push to build this railway for the Japanese.
Back To Bangkok - - -
Visited the absolutely insanely huge weekend market - spent about 5 hours walking around, purchasing, and drinking fruit shakes after fruit shakes - what a place to see! From lighters to up and coming thai designers, there were stalls for everything.
Next day we went to the floating markets - definitely something to see, although it has become very touristy and the market sellers attempt to charge you 5 or 10 times the real price for things.
Back to Solo-mio - - -
Lucy left to go back home, so I am back to being on my own after weeks of travel with friends from all over.
I've already noticed that I have an annoying habit - indecisiveness. I can not make decisions - how do I get anywhere, I wonder? I suppose I AM still in Southern Thailand weeks after I thought I would be - so perhaps this should have been a sign. Anyhow, I seem to just let things glide along as they will.
As I finally decided to head north, first stop in Ayuthuya, as I had planned (oh, by the way mom, I'm not going to Khao Yai Park anymore - that was an old plan...) Should I train or should I bus? Traiiin or buuuus. I couldn't decide the night before I left up until an hour before I got into my taxi. Bus, I was going by bus.
So I had the taxi drop me off at the train station - what a nice man! At one point, however, he gets this wide-eyed shocked look on his face, takes off his seatbelt, whips around and asks me "You one people?!!" "yes, just me" "Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!". He then starts listing every city, followed by every country, I plan on visiting and says "you no go out at night only one - no good." Was my mom following me disguising herself as a thai taxi driver? Hmmm.
Fear not! My first night alone in Ayuthuya, I went out to dinner and sat by myself and ordered. An Australian retired couple apparently took pity on me and asked me to join them - apparently they've been doing this for many lone travelers as they are reminded of their own daughters who have been travelling on their own as well.I received a second talking-to though by the Australian mom - and I may now actually change my route based on her suggestion and, well, concern - so now my mom is following me as a Thai taxi driver and Australian. Hmmm.
Before dinner I went on a night cruise around Ayuthuya's island - essentially three rivers merge around Ayuthuya, the ancient capital of Thailand, and create a central island of Ayuthuya city. To get to the main part of town you have to cross by bridge or ferry. The tour took us to three ancient temples - Ayuthuya was essentially demolished by the Burmese in the 1700s and all the temples were sacked - however, there are some remains and the history behind them is very evident - it was thoroughly enjoyable to see. After the boat trip, we were dropped off at the ferry port and told to find our own way home. The 10 minute walk took me 30 - guess I forgot my compass!
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So today, I rented a bike and visited the on-island temples. Similar to the ones I saw on the boat trip, I still enjoyed seeing every one. Got caught in the rain though, of course on the one day I decide to go for a bike ride, but it's been so hot I really didn't mind all that much.
Later on, went for a walk down past the market and by the water. I tripped and took a nose dive towards the cement side walk scraping my knee, foot, and hands. I waited for my limbs to stop trembling, got up by myself because clearly the amused Thais were not going to offer me their hand, and did the only thing one can do after such an event.....I limped over to the nearest bar and ordered a very cold beer.
Till next time!
-Alex
