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The birthplace of Thailand
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We took our first long distance train ride. Because everyone else was bringing a lot of food onto the train, we bought some chicken (KFC tastes the same in Thailand as it does in the US). Then about 1 1/2 hours into the train ride, we see one of the train workers pushing a cart down the aisle with plates of food! First class all the way! It was better than what we got on flights with JetStar in Australia (which was nothing) - PS if you are large (over 5'10"), or if you like free cups of water on your trips, don't ever fly JetStar - there is no legroom and you have to pay for everything!
We arrived in new Sukhothai, and proceeded to begin bartering (which we do for just about everything here except McDonald's Ice Cream cones, as they cost 25 cents - we ain't that cheap!). A word to the wise if you ever visit Sukhothai - the taxi drivers who give you a ride over to the hotels get kickbacks from the hotels if you stay there, so you can get the trip pretty cheap. Better yet, you can take the bus, which costs less. If you stay at Garden House, be prepared for very hard beds - it almost like sleeping on the ground.
The fresh mangoes, pineapples and watermelon in this country are to die for - you can buy it on the street for 30 cents! Clothing is cheap, but we are waiting for Vietnam because we heard from friends that the best deals are there. This country is definitely spoiling us! Loving it! Old Sukhothai is an interesting place to visit. It is the birthplace of the Thai nation, where the language and the Thai empire first emerged in the 13th century. You go expecting to see ruined and partially restored ancient temples, and you aren't disappointed. Yet at the same time you see the contrast of modern life pushing in. All around the monuments are flood lights to illuminate them at night. Throughout the entire place you will find vendors who are trying to sell you trinkets. People are allowed to take cars or motorcycles and drive them through the parks. It interesting to see how tourists act at these sacred sites. We decided to go local, and rode bicycles around. Along the way we saw one group of older Americans on a tour bus who started singing childrens songs as they were whisked past the ancient Buddhist temples. It's definitely worth visiting if you head up to northern Thailand from Bangkok.
How do you know when you are really on holiday? When someone asks you what day of the week it is, or what the date is, and you have no clue! Francis ate squid, which was fried in front of her on the street - Very Daring! To our families, especially baby Joey, Justin, Brandon, Alexandra and Courtney, we miss you very much! From Francis Te estrano mami.....siempre esta en mi corazon More thumbnails ...
Where I stayed:
Garden House
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