Friday, November 11, 2022 Our bus excursion to Ayutthaya started early because we had over 2 hours to get there from the port, and the ship would be sailing in the late afternoon. The Kingdom of Ayutthaya was established around 1350. In 1569, the Burmese army ransacked the place, stealing many valuable objects. Finally in 1767, the Burmese destroyed the capital, and Bangkok (farther to the south) was chosen to replace it. Lots of ruined temples remain. Our first stop was at the Summer Palace. It was rebuilt by King Mongkut (later known as King Rama IV) in the mid 19th century. The movie “The King and I” is banned in Thailand because it is considered disrespectful to the royal family. But I loved that movie and use those characters to sort out Thai history. In that line, it was King Mongkut/ Rama IV (Yul Brenner) who rebuilt the summer palace that had been destroyed by the Burmese. The King’s son, the crown Prince in the movie and later King Rama V) spent summers at the Palace. King Rama V’s brother (Prince Chakrabongse) built his own 1 acre retreat on the River in Bangkok where we stayed for 4 nights.
We had breakfast at 4:30am, and were supposed to be on the bus at 5:10am. But Jim and I were both sent back to change into long pants. Strict dress code at summer palace.First stop was the summer palace. We piled into 4 person golf carts. I had brought my drivers license so I was the designated driver. This temple was covered in scaffolding, so I found another image with it looking beautiful.The summer Palace was rebuilt in the mid 19th century and has an European look.Goddesses on the bridge. You can’t have too many!Gorilla topiary but no banana trees in sightEach one of Yul Brenner’s wives had their own home on a crescent shaped road with this view.Wat Mahathat in ancient capital of Ayutthaya Most photographed image in historic areaMore ruinsElephant ride sighting, but not for ustemplesAt last it was time for lunch at a very nice Chinese restaurant in the Krungsri River Hotel.One of many Thai dishes served family style for lunchWe were back onboard by 4pm. Time for a swim in the main pool. The retractable roof was open. Very refreshing!When we arrived at The Restaurant, one of several places to eat (all at no extra charge) it reminded my of tea dances I attended at the Naval Academy when I was in high school. Behind the restaurant checkin was a line of about a dozen waiters, in a line, ready to be assign to the next person.We both chose Beef Wellington. Yum!And for our final treat of the day, we had our dessert of mango sorbet delivered to our room! Our ship cast off and headed south into the night.
