Ayutthaya and New Year's Eve in Bangkok

Once again, it was time for me to say goodbye. My husband flew home. And the blues got to me. I almost said at the check-in counter: Reschedule! I'm flying back with you!

That's why I'll keep this entry a bit shorter and delight you with some pictures.

Back in the city, I stayed in a hostel near Hualampong train station for one night. Because my plan was to spend my remaining days until New Year's Eve and my onward flight from Bangkok to Cape Town in the old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya.

For 15 THB in third class, you can take the train for about an hour and a half to Ayutthaya.

When I arrived in Ayutthaya, it was pouring rain. Since my accommodation, like most accommodations in Ayutthaya, was a bit far from the train station, I had to take a tuk-tuk, like it or not. For a whopping 150 THB. The price couldn't be changed. It was fixed for all tourists. It's amazing that 8 minutes ride in a tuk-tuk is ten times more expensive than an hour and a half ride on the train. Well, that's just how it is. I didn't really care because of my blues.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast, I visited the ruins of the old royal palace and the associated temples.

You can cover everything in a day. The beautiful thing is that Ayutthaya is a bit sleepy. So it's just right.

On Fridays, I rented a bike and cycled to Elefant Stay near Ayutthaya to feed the elephants.

I used the third day to plan my stay in Cape Town and deal with a nice but very persistent cold that snuck up on me the day before.

On New Year's Eve, I returned to Bangkok to "celebrate" the new year. The New Year's Eve party announced by the hostel staff was a flop and the people there were a bit over the top. Plus, Mommy also got a nice case of conjunctivitis overnight.

Well then, cheers to the new year!

It's a good thing that there was a pharmacy in the departure area of Bangkok airport and the pharmacist immediately recognized what was going on and had the right drops ready.

So, in this spirit: a bit beaten up and with the blues in my blood to Cape Town.

In retrospect, I had already moved on from Thailand when my husband boarded the plane.

Time for something new and my final destination for this trip.

Have Fun and Be Proud!

Your Jan/Mommy