Ayutthaya

First off, it's pronouced (roughly) like eye-you-tie-yuah. Secondly, it was gorgeous. It was like going to see the ancient (Mayan) ruins that I'd always seen in my Spanish textbooks, except these were oriental. A lot of these ruins were origionally built in the 1600s, only to be burned to the ground by Myanmar when they invaded in the late 1700s. The ruins are now spread around the town of Ayutthaya, which also includes a floating market. But getting to the good stuff... pictures:

Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most famous ruins. 

 A model of what it used to look like.

Kate and I in front of a giant Buddha statue. 

In front of one of our favorites of the ruins. You were able to climb up (and inside!) this one.  

My favorite photo from the day. 

Mamay tried to ask us questions about different architectural terms and facts regarding these.

Nothing like a Thai to make you feel inept at your own language.

A view of the floating market from a boat we were on. 

Another view of the market.

This was the second or third floating market I've been to. I don't want to shatter any of your hopes and dreams, but I'm generally not a fan of them market-wise. Aesthetically they're gorgeous, but they're also 2-3 times more expensive than the local markets and packed full of pushy tourists. Although there was one redeeming quality from this market. But it was so awesome, it'll get its own post tomorrow. 

Regardless, Ayutthaya was an incredible experience. Definitely a fun event with an uncomparable location. And, it was our last big outting before we head off to the northern part of the country. Unbelievably I head home exactly a week from today (or, due to timezones, tomorrow by your location). How am I supposed to leave places like this?