Summer Vacation Thai Style

Part 1: Dena and Jessica’s Week of Fun!

After grading 750 finals by hand, it was time for some serious adventuresome fun. Enter Jessica Barnett! Being on a whirlwind world tour, Jess and I had only a few days together in Thailand, so we narrowed down our agenda to just 3 cities Kanchanaburi, Ayuthaya, and Bangkok.

Kanchanaburi:
We departed early Tuesday morning from Bangkok’s Victory Monument in a minivan heading towards the historical city of Kanchanaburi. The city is infamous for the role it played in WWII. During the War, Japanese forces used prisoners of war to build a railroad to Burma. Many people died during construction and as a result it has become known as the “Death Railway.” In the main city there are many memorials, museums, and cemeteries dedicated to those who died during this time.

Jess and I at the Bridge

Jessica and I tried to find a balance between culture and fun. We explored the bizarre WWII Museum, chock full of odd wax sculptures of prominent figures from the war including Hitler and Churchill, a stamp collection, a segment of train from the original, and a collection of buddha’s teachings written on the ceiling of a temple. We also made it over to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai for some beautiful sunset picts before having dinner right on the river.

On the songtaw, ready for adventure!

Adventure day! The next morning we booked a private songtaw to take us to Erawan Falls and the Tiger Temple. If you don't know what a songtaw is, it is pretty much a glorified pick up truck with benches and a roof tacked on the tailgate, totally safe. On the way it began pouring rain, and for any one who hasn’t been in a songtaw, they aren’t exactly built for safety.

Hold on!!!!

Jess had her issues with this, but after the rain cleared up and we arrived at the Falls, we were ready to go! Accompanied by an entire school field trip, we hiked up all seven tiers of Erawan falls and even enjoyed a dip in the crystal clear pools on the way back down. It was gorgeous.

All smiles at level 1

Making new friends on level 5!

Next stop was the Tiger Temple. Steeped in controversy these tigers are allegedly docile as a result of being raised by peaceful monks, however some suggest they have been drugged. Either way, we put on our brave faces and headed into the tiger’s den for an unforgettable photo shoot. The most memorable part, however, was the baby cubs we met on our way out. They reminded me of Golda and Sadie with those big paws and fuzzy faces. But not quite…

AWWWW

RAWWWWR!

Ayuthaya:
On Thursday, we took a private Mercedes over to the ancient capital city of Ayuthaya. Ayuthaya was the capital for 417 years, during this time the city filled with an unbelievable amount of beautiful temples. Today, these temples have crumbled and in some places are unrecognizeable; however, they evoke tranquil images of the ancient world. Walking through these structures is both eerie and strangely peaceful.

Me at my favorite temple, Wat Phra Mahathat

On an elephant's back in front of Wat Phra Ram

We spent the day exploring by foot, elephant (how the royals would have traversed their palaces), and even on a long boat sunset cruise to the outlying temples along the river. We finished our tour at the most popular Wat in Ayuthaya.

Sunset at Wat Chai Wattanaram

I climbed the highest tower in the center of the temple and watched the pink sun set behind the massive stone chedis. All and all, it was an awe inspiring day, and after a scrumptious dinner with a couple of beautiful Italians from out guesthouse, we were all tuckered out!


Bangkok:
Upon arriving back in Bangkok, we found the tense political situation had only escalated since Jess’s arrival just days earlier. As a result, we were unable to get to the Grand Palace, but we did manage to explore some other areas of Bangkok including the tourist mecca of Khao San road, the cheap eats and local bars of the Nana district, the beautiful Dusit Palace Teak Mansion (previous home of the royal family), and the madness of Chatuchak Weekend market.

By the end of the week, we had accomplished so much that it felt as though we had been together for weeks. Having Jessica come to visit allowed me an opportunity to share my newly acquired knowledge of this strange and beautiful country. I hadn't even realized how many odd little quirks about thai culture had become normal to me. I am so grateful she included me on her world tour!

Thanks again Squeakin!