Ayutthaya

Needed to escape the madness of BKK and had to kill so we caught the train up to Ayytthaya. AyuttHaya is about 70 k's north of BKK. We travelled 3rd class on the train, which was suprisingly very good. Only 20 Baht each (80 cents) AyuttHaya is an Island believe it or not. Its surrounded by rivers and has a population of 80,000. The mood is laid back here and the people are friendly. Checked into the UP Inn guest house when we arrived. Then hired bicycles and explored the city. Lots of Wats(temples/Monestry's) , decapitated budda's and parks. Thai people seemed to be obsessed with The King and Queen (you are expected to have a picture of them in every room), buddha and roosters (armys of them). Monuments Wat Raturana, Wat Chaiwattanaran and golden mountain chedi were memorable. Back to the guesthouse to cool off (sarah was badly sunburnt), then off on a boat tour around the Island. Landed at the night markets where we sampled some of the local delicacies. Hamish discovered an amazing pink fruit (looked like beetroot, tasted like kiwifruit). Met a few other travellers and had a few beers in the local jazz bar. Getting used to travelling and much more offay with the local customs.

Hope every one is well, let us know all the goss.

lots of love

Sarah and Hamish