From Bangkok to Ayutthaya

Yesterday (January 21st), my Grab taxi was supposed to pick me up from my hotel in Bangkok at 12:00 noon to take me to my 3-night accommodation in Ayutthaya. Therefore, I took it easy in the morning, went to the lobby to get some coffee and sandwiches, and then took one last lap around the pool on the hotel terrace. I rolled, folded, and squeezed my laundry to fit it somehow into my backpack, which just barely worked (this will definitely annoy me in the long run), and then I got the message that my driver was on-site (the Grab app is working, so I will continue to use it). I agreed to take the highway, which costs tolls but provides a typically unusual ease of movement through Bangkok's traffic in relative silence. The 80 km drive was supposed to take just about an hour; it was briefly interrupted twice because the driver had to use the restroom... (it should be mentioned here that my medical kit, filled with various remedies - despite the various tested street food - remained untouched - knock on wood!)... Upon arriving in Ayutthaya, I was greeted by my German host Gerhard with 'Are you Bavarian?' 'No, I'm Saxon' 'Well, not so bad either'... He then handed me not only the room key but also a rickety old bicycle, which will be my mode of transportation for the upcoming days of exploration. The ADAC safety check would surely not pass, but it has two wheels and a mostly functioning brake. That's enough here, and for me anyway. Gerhard also gave me some tips on where I could go sightseeing today and where I could find a suitable dining establishment. So off I went on the bicycle towards 'Wat Chaiwatthanarann' (I'll skip the exact 'Wats' - temples - from here on; otherwise, it would become a virtual tongue-twister while reading)... With my phone for navigation in my right hand and the handlebars of my rattly ladies' bike firmly gripped in my left hand, I awkwardly attempted my maiden ride through Thai left-hand traffic. Although it was unfamiliar - particularly having to turn left in roundabouts - I arrived at my intended destination unscathed; even though the presence of riding elephants as traffic participants made me briefly ponder who has the right of way and whether I should overtake... The first Wat in Ayutthaya was a vast area. Without going too deep; Ayutthaya was the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam and was largely destroyed by the Burmese in 1767; including many temple complexes. The heads of Buddha statues were almost universally severed... Regarding the temple complexes in the entire Ayutthaya Historical Park, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves.... In the late afternoon, I then visited the inconspicuous dining place recommended by Gerhard ... Tasty, but as a fish/seafood avoider, it won't be easy in the near future; with Chang beer, however, I can still get down the odd not-so-palatable bite ... After biking back with a full stomach, I spent the evening and night with Gerhard and other guests discussing and planning my further travels and bookings for the upcoming week. That takes quite a bit of time, and some desired connections are not possible as expected (the hoped-for experience of the night train to Chiang Mai, for example, doesn't work out), but there is always something... Additionally, my Garmin watch has given up the ghost; during the morning swimming round it must have taken in water... annoying, as there won’t be a replacement here ... but on the other hand, maybe it’s also a sign that I don’t need a watch here...

Today (January 22nd) right after breakfast, I got back on my beloved bike and until sunset, I visited many 'Wats' and other sites in the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Although several kilometers of cycling were covered, everything is easily reachable by bicycle. However, I can certainly feel the hard saddle of my ride in combination with the bumpy paths this evening... And today, I had to reach into my medical pouch for the first time and use the panthenol... Those who are too lazy or forgetful to apply sunscreen here and bring the paleness of the German winter shouldn't be surprised in the evening when their nose and arms shine red and sting a bit... Tomorrow, I'll be heading back on the bike to the next area of the ruin city...