Mortal Kombat

Ayutthaya is so gorgeous that the pictures don’t do justice to it. At first, it looks like a typical medium-sized Thai city, but once the bridge from the train station is crossed, the dozen or so massive ruins dominate the plain restaurants and guest houses. The temples, which date back to 1350, are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I’ve been to more European churches than the Pope, but this was something else entirely. Dennis, Wadleigh, Kristine and I were all thoroughly impressed with the architecture. I was so impressed that I nearly stepped on a four foot lizard that was in the middle of the sidewalk. Wadleigh and I were too busy admiring the temples to even see it. It scared the shit out of us.

Another great part of the city was that although it’s definitely geared towards tourism, we weren’t hassled nearly as much as we are in Bangkok. Any group of white people there instantly become a target for all sorts of dubious sells. Everything here was just a little slower, and we were able to explore with no frustrations (aside from the ridiculous heat).

One of my goals in Thailand was to pose for fighting pictures in front of Wat Chai Watthanaram where the wonderfully cheesy Mortal Kombat was filmed. Thanks to my sparring buddy, Wadleigh, and the excellent photography of Dennis and Kristine, I was able to live that dream. It may have been borderline offensive and tacky, but that will be the only thing like that that I do here…I hope.

The trip to Ayutthaya also marked my first tuk tuk ride. These noisy three-wheeled vehicles scurry around Bangkok like ants to food, while the passengers sit in the back. The ones in Ayutthaya were a little nicer than its Bangkok brothers, although it’s still a little scary to sit in the equivalent of a somewhat covered and cramped truck bed while the driver disregards numerous traffic laws. Still, it’s an experience worth having and it was a necessity to see the further temples.

We took the third class train back, which is also what we took there. The lack of air-conditioning for the two hour trip was a downer, but for 60 cents, I couldn’t complain at all. On the first train ride, we saw an Italian with a Thailand shirt and one of those touristy peasant hats. I may not be an expert on Thai culture, but that is just one thing you don’t do, unless you want to look like an idiot. Still, I’m ashamed to say I want one of those hats, although I don’t plan on wearing it in Thailand. That’s just too much.