Adults in awe at their children
Taking a rest by a temple
Prang of the Wat Phra Maha Tat
 
Peaceful view of the Wat Phra Ram
Stunning flowers hide the Wat Phra Ram
Wihan Phra Mongkon Bopit
Buddha inside the Wihan Phra Mongkon Bopit
 
Monk clipping an offering to others
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Further down the street, I pass a brick temple which isn't even on my map, which gives me an idea of how vast the city was and how many ruins remain of this city sacked by the Birmans, Ayuthaya ironically meaning "undefeatable" or "unassailable". Through the gates of a school, I catch a glimpse of the smiling spontaneity of a father in fron of his daughters, and observe how happy and warm Thais are. They have a nice country I must say, which a man lying on a small wall next to Wat Ratburana seems to remind me. This temple has little interest to me at first, before I take a second look and explore some more by climbing the main chedi. It offers a nice view on the very lush center of this island, not built and with ruins here and there in more or less good condition. Further away, I am alone walking in the middle of a big open space bordered by trees and lakes and opening up on the Wat Phra Maha Tat which I was too lazy to see as it looked so much like the others, and knowing it is famous for its dome on top of a chedi, which I can see from outside. I can then see the Wat Phra Ram emerge from the bridges and trees with red flowers. Some Thais are talking in the shade and laughing, a man is throwing a net in the water, as I leave this green haven to go to the Wihan Phra Mongkon Bopit. On the way, someone talks to me in Thai again as I buy a drink, and the woman insists she thought I was a local. It's a shame I can't speak the language, as it would help me considerably in having an even better experience of the country. Inside the temple, a big golden Buddha is on a throne, and monks are making offerings, of coins, golden sheets or stapled bills. They look mischievous when they see I'm smiling at them.
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Ayuthaya 