Venice of the East

This week, we were blessed with more family having made the trek across the world to visit us (or maybe just holiday around). This time Andy's sister, her husband, and their cute as a button toddler came! Jamie, Ryan, and Edward are here checkin' out the country for the next three weeks.

No time was wasted in Bangkok. First stop: Khao San Road.

We took everyone to our favourite Israeli restaurant. Edward had his first taste of a watermelon smoothie. It was probably one of the happiest moments of his life.



Falafel, potato salad, hummus, more salad, pita bread, and mint lemon smoothies.......my mouth is watering just typing this.

So many things to look at!

Eating street doughnuts.

On the weekend we all went to Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand, located in the valley of the Chao Phraya River. It is sometimes referred to as the "Venice of the East". In 1700 CE it was one of the largest cities in the world, with a population of nearly one million people. In 1767 the city was destroyed by the Burmese army.

We stayed at a 100 year old, traditional Thai style, 15-room, made of teak, homestay on the river. I was a little bit hesitant about the place- this was the front entrance. But as with many things in Thailand, you can't let looks deceive you. It was in fact a lovely place.

We spent the weekend touring temples, seeing lots of cats and dogs, checking out random market stalls, feeding animals, passing Edward around Thai ladies (who can't get enough of his golden complexion), going on a sunset river boat tour, and eating several times. Great fun had by all.

The one thing I was most excited to check off my 'things to see in Thailand list' was this famous Buddha head in the tree. I must say, I imagined it to be much bigger than what it is. Nonetheless, it was still pretty neat to see in person.

 

Palm leaf ants in the making.

We also checked out a rather barren museum.

If I were a dog, I would nap here too.