Unexpected Bangkok

We have seen crazy chaotic traffic in big cities. We have choked on the polution of major cities in several countries. We have been intimidated by the impenetrable crowds and general feeling of disorganized frenzy. But NOT in Bangkok. This place is fantastic. It's clean, organized, and polite in every way. It's huge and crowded of course, but it is just a delightful city. I'm looking forward to going back in a few weeks and spending several more days there before we leave Thailand. We left today, deciding against the train since that was unsuccessful. We negotiated with a taxi driver to drive us to Ayutthaya for about $35. Very reasonable I thought. We arrived in Ayutthaya and found a great room on a street filled with budget guest houses. We walked around some of the ruins today shocked that just a few short weeks ago this whole place was devasted by the flooding. It is incredible to see the water marks on buildings and realize the recovery they have made here in such a short time. We saw some more of the flood effects in Bangkok on our drive out today as well. There are still streets that are impassable.

Tonight we went out on the street with THOUSANDS of people celebrating the King's birthday - a major holiday here, also called "Father's Day". Fireworks, performances, just a great atmosphere of celebration. Loving it!

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