Contributors

This blog follows the travels of the Turberfield family as they drop out of the normal busyness of corporate life to explore the ancient art of Tibetan Thangka, the dusty mountaintop temples of the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau and travel overland from Singapore to England.

Offering to The Spiritual Guide in a lofty gompa perched above the natural fort of Dongwan valley, weekly trips to Shangri La's unpredictable shower rooms, keeping the cows out of the bins, scaling sacred Mount Shika, haggling for pu-er in the tea markets of Kunming and the nightly wonder of the milky way - possibly as far as it's possible to get from the subway at rush hour....

The main contributors are Michelle (also widely known as "The Boss") and David with bits and pieces from San San and Jon Jon. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your comments.

Friday, 25 February 2011

Ancient capital of Siam

After a frantic 2 days in Bangkok, we left all that busyness behind us as we boarded the train to head for Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam during the Ayutthaya kingdom.

One and half hour train ride later, we got off at a non-assuming train station. You won't be able guess that this is a hot tourist spot.

The guest house we are staying in is close to the ancient palace. We took 2 bicycles and rode around to do some sight-seeing. It is great not to rely on public transport.

There are many Buddhist temples ' ruins within the ancient palace compound. The children are keen to see the largest reclining outdoor Buddha, having seen the largest reclining Buddha in Wat Pho in Bangkok.

These ancient ruins fascinate me. I always thought it is very romantics to wander through all the were once there and try to imagine the splendor and glory that the place once held.

Throughout the afternoon, I gently debated with the children as to who created these places and where are they now?

All are created by mind and eventually all are dissolved by mind.

I think the Siamese did not build the magnificent architect for tourist to wander around today. Likewise, in 500 years time, New York city may become a ruin for tourist to visit to see the glory of the 21 century.

However, it is hard to see this change coz we hold on to New Year city so tightly and we believe that it will always be there like the way it is now.

Looking at Ayutthaya,I must remember emptiness - everything I see does not really exist the same way I believe it to exist!

Verdict-Ayutthaya a big thumb up. Buddhas, ruins, laid back, friendly and relaxing!!!! Of all the places we have been through to date this is one of my favorite.


- Posted by Mich using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Ayutthaya, Thailand

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