AYUTHAYA, THAILAND

Baan Lotus, our home in Ayuthaya, was the enticement we wanted and needed to stay in this city for 5 days. The beautiful soothing view from our 2nd story room was of the pond belonging to the guest house and the neighbor’s pond as well. “Our” pond was decorated with many water lilies in lavender/pink bloom. The covered walkway and decks over it were ideal for eating breakfast, working on the internet, relaxing in the hammock, reading and meeting other travelers. Many flowering shrubs and potted plants on the grounds made it feel like a tropical garden. Each early morning we would watch the neighbor diligently working from his boat or the land clearing water hyacinths from the pond. The movement of a 4-5 ft. monitor lizard on the small strip of land between the ponds brought it to the rapt attention of those of us on the deck.

AYUTHAYA

Ayuthaya, named after the home of Rama in the Indian epic Ramayana, was built on an island formed by 3 rivers. It became a full-fledged nation from 1350 to 1767 when the Burmese captured it and looted the staggering amount of gold in and on statues. The ruins of the historic temples were scattered everywhere throughout the island and beyond the rivers and were in varying stages of decay and reconstruction. We especially liked to walk around the temple ruins exploring the nooks and crannies on our own and always took pictures with our memories and the blog in mind. Each time we have been in one of these ancient sites we have contemplated and attempted to imagine the sights and sounds of the daily life of the people who lived here. A boat tour around sunset of several sites across the river was spectacular. Then the next afternoon a tuk-tuk tour took us to more sites ending in the dark with eerie but beautiful lighted ruins.

During that tour, there was a stop at an elephant protection center where 90 elephants were being kept. Volunteers from many nations were there working with the animals. Of course, we were reminded of our times with Akili, Dotty’s elephant in Scott Valley.



May the flowers you see here bring the promise of Spring.

Rajiv and Marianne