Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya existed from 1350 to 1767. It was finally sacked by the Burmese (Myanmar) in 1767, when the starving inhabitants could no longer resist the advancing army. Every building was burned and tens of thousands of its citizens were captured and taken to Burma. The Grand Palace, which had been home to 33 kings and 5 dynasties was totally destroyed. The King was murdered. A black mark still exists today between Thailand and Myanmar. Siam was able to recoup by 1770, and began a new Siam Dynasty which can be traced to the current Monarch. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Howard and I took a one day tour first to the King’s Summer Palace and then on to the Ayutthaya Historical Park A riverboat cruise on the Chao Phraya River brought us back to Bangkok.
Kathmandu, Nepal
It was the first time Howard and I had been back to Kathmandu since the earthquake. The damage is still very apparent. Aside from the damage, the most shocking observation is that the snow is disappearing from the mountains. Iswor, Howard’s Tae Kwon Do teacher, spent a lot of time with us walking around town. We visited with a lot of other friends as well. And we did some touristy things, too.
Vienna
Howard and I are currently living in Bangkok and as such have opportunities to travel. For a recent workshop, we were able to stop in Vienna for a few days. It’s a beautiful city. The people are very nice and offer to help you find what you’re looking for if you’re lost (sometimes) or look lost (most times). But it’s a pretty easy city to get around in. We visited in May and the weather was crisp and cool, just perfect. We took the Hop On Hop Off bus tour upon arrival to see the sites and get our bearings, which we do in every new city. Please enjoy the photos below. Oh yeah, the food and beer are great!
Mechai’s Bamboo School