Wednesday, 11/19/14

Began the day at Baan Bakery again. Yum!  Next stop was the local 7-11 - yes, THAT 7-11.  They are everywhere here!  We went there to add money to our phone sim cards, which the man did in 2 shakes.

Today we are walking and exploring more of the city.  Wat Fon Soi also known as Wat Jetlin was the first thing we came to. You must remove shoes before entering any Wat (or private home). This wat (they are also called temples) was used as a coronation site in 1551. Most wats are part of a complex which  are often used for social gatherings and events, and sometimes monasteries or schools. A chedi is the tall spiral structure usually associated with a wat, it sometimes holds ashes of revered monks or other persons.

Next was Wat Chedi Luang which dated back to the 15th century and was reconstructed in the 1990's.

 This Wat had many associated buildings, a pond and monastery.

When we reach Wat Phara Singh, it is obvious that they are getting ready to serve a meal in one part and we find out it is for the monks.  After four older monks lead some prayers and chanting, about 50 monks arrive at sit at the low tables.  Most are young students.  Behind the current wat are the remnants of one built in the 1400's.

Sue is wearing long shorts today, but apparently not long enough as she has to rent a wrap-around skirt to cover her legs before going into the temple, which is not uncommon.

We stop at a tiny cafe called Taa Peng Cat for cold fruit smoothies and a rest.  Many small coffee shops and restaurants, most seating 15 or 20 people. All seem happy for any business! We visit a small Paper making shop, most made from mulberry trees. We walk some more and come to a public park, Buak Hat.  Several people picnicing and feeding pigeons.

 We pause there, then walk to Mengrai Kilns which is a huge shop of ceramics of all types.  Much beautiful celedon pottery which we are reluctant to buy due to difficulty transporting, though Sue bought me a small dish that I had admired!

We stop at Loong Oad Cafe for a light lunch.  We are eating like Thai's - many small meals. I have some delicious fried rice with cashews and pineapple and we have a variety of other things. This place probably seats 10 at most and is run by a husband and wife who are very gracious. Portions here are much more reasonable than in the US so that you are rarely overfull.  Great! Our bill for all four is less than $20.00.

We meander back to the hotel for some R&R (depends on your definition).  Greg does some stationary bike and exercises in the pool.  He pulled a calf muscle at the elephant park but seems to be doing ok, with the help of Sue's ibuprofen!

We decide to go to a nearby spot that Cheron had mentioned, called Mario's, which serves Thai and Italian food.  Rather disappointing, our least favorite so far.  Back to the room about 8:00, watch a little CNN, get caught up on emails, blog, etc.