Sri Lanka

Sometimes fate decides to throw you a curve, a nd the best choice is to just roll with it.  Sri Lanka Airlines informed us that we needed to fly out of Bangkok one day early and for our trouble they would put us up for the night and feed us.  Normally this would be a downer, but this time not because it meant we would have a half day  to explore.  We decided to spend our time close to the hotel in a town called Negumbo.  It had some interesting temples, cathedrals, fish markets and other experiences we will remember (watching prisoners unloading a bus and seeing the families visiting them, seeing a baby being blessed in a Budda temple, etc)

Oh my –Thai

Here in the land of sand, there are many seasoned travelers.  Each with their favorite destinations and secrets to make the most of them.  Thailand seems to always make the short list and we decided it was high time to check it out.  So, we tagged team with the Chandlers and packed our bags for South East Asia.

Waiting for us was our tour guide Nok, she was armed to the teeth with agendas and sites to keep us busy for 2 full days.

First day we visited several old temple sites and saw some amazing Buddha statues

Nok then loaded us into the van and we headed to Ayothaya floating market.  This place literally had a little of EVERYTHING!

Nok’s next stop was the Royal summer palace

Here’s a pic of our private tour bus – Just kidding

Our travel agenda meant that we left the next day to the island of Phuket.  Can you say “Fantasy Island”.  When we weren’t riding elephants, feeding monkeys and riding a river in a raft, we had the horrendous job of deciding which café to patronize after our daily massage.

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After 4 wonderful days in Phuket, it was time to finish our Bangkok experience with NOK.  It was a magical day!  We went first to the Folding umbrella Maeklong Train Market.  The Locals set up their shops on the tracks and when the train comes they quickly gather them up and make way.

It was a banquet for the senses.  All varieties of smells, sights and colors existed and I was snapping pics like crazy.  

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Nok then whisked us off to the village of Wat Bang Kung.  It has a chapel that is completely enclosed within the roots of the Banyon tree.  Inside you will also see the Buddha.  There is also a courtyard that was primarily used for martial arts training a century ago. 

The original floating market was our next destination.  This was a totally unexpected experience that had all of us fully entertained.  There are over 300 canals in this area that serve not only to provide for local crops but also to conduct commerce.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we arrive at the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha Temple.  This is the political and spiritual headquarters of the country.  Here you will find the coronation hall, the sitting of the most revered Buddha and Bling to blow you mind.

 There is no doubt that we will definitely come back to Thailand.  It has so much to offer and is very affordable.