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Ayutthaya

We did the tourist thing most of the day Tuesday by going on a coach tour to the roins of Ayutthaya, the historic capital of Siam until it was razed by the Burmese in 1767. The Burmese cut the head of a a Buddha that went into the ground but it emerged again later lifted out of the earth inside a growing Banyan tree. When you have your photo taken by the tree, you must sit lower than the Buddha head. Also - are those Banyan trees that we see in Florida?? Donna, our tour guide yelled at a couple of Spanish tourists for not showing respect by standing for their photo. Donna has guided tours for 26 years and told many great stories about Rama I through X (Thai Kings). Beloved King Rama IX just passed in 2016. The tour wrapped with a lunch cruise on the Chao Phraya River featuring all the Thai staples. This was definitely a senior thing to do so we dialed it up for the rest of the day. Headed over to Lebua Tower of Hangover II fame for happy hour. It gives a spectacular view of the city. Most of the patrons were like us and just there for photos and one drink which averaged about $20 per. The staff are actually pretty gracious considering people are in and out. They take group photos and serve shelled pistachios and olives with the drinks. No shorts allowed nor elelephant pajama pants as the hostess had to explain to another tourist. Finn's drink had a live fish in it. Went to the Patpong Night Market which also doubles as one of the three red light districts in Bangkok. Finn searched for hard-to find NBA jerseys, Yeezy's sneakers, and elephant short pants. Had a few beers at a pub with live music and then got foot massages. It was as great as I recall and I fell asleep in the chair. Finn's review: "It was good." We headed home in a taxi because it was too late for BTS. Ugh. Wednesday was a rest day. Hung out by the pool. Walked around our neighborhood and did a bit more shopping. Collected Finn's suit which looks a great. I didn't log each visit but a custom suit takes one measurement, two fittings, and a pickup so many trips to see Jesse and Victor. Capped our trip with a great meal of duck in tamarind sauce, shrimp and pineapple. Ladies performed traditional Thai music and danced. That is The last story from Thailand as we turned in early to get up at 330AM for our flight to Hanoi. Sitting at the airport now waiting to board.

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