Weekend Snapshot: Mansion and Temple Ruins (II)

Lopburi is very old; has been around for many hundreds of years. Traces of its past mingle with new buildings right in the middle of town. When we alighted from the train on our arrival, the first thing that met my eye from a very short distance is something that told me we were in for a weekend of historical charm.

And I wasn't disappointed. This is our breakfast view:

Friendly locals who noticed us circling the ruins and snapping through barbed wires told us to walk a few meters ahead and turn right to get a good shot. The place was open but we didn't venture in. It was mainly King Narai's palace we wanted to see, but couldn't as it was closed for the Songkran holidays. Our hotel stands opposite the palace, but all our curious selves could do was imagine what wonders lie behind the huge, ancient gate. Ah well, next time then.

Coming back from the AIDS Temple, we hurriedly proceeded to the ruins of the french ambassador's mansion. We bask in the charm and character of the place. I am transported back in time where there's a stately ball going on. Ladies resplendent in beautiful gowns move like swans with their dashing consorts. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy swells. The mansion is aglow. I step into a fairytale and the midday heat catapults me back to reality, but not without blowing me more enchanting tours to look forward to :-)

Have a charming week, everyone!

Thirteen 13-word Quotes

1. I may be wrong , but I have never found deserting friends conciliates enemies. Margot Asquith , British Political Hostess (1864-1945) 2. Man's love is of man's life a thing apart; Girls aren't like that Kingsley Amis , English novelist and poet (1922-1995) "A Book Idyll" ~ see possible origin, also a 13- word quote: M an's love is of man's life a thing apart, 'Tis woman's whole existence Lord Byron (1788-1824) 3. An autobiography is an obituary in serial form with the last instalment missing. Quentin Crisp , English writer The Naked Civil Servant (1968) 4. Happy the hare at morning for she cannot read the hunter's waking thoughts. W.H. Auden , English poet (1907-73) Dog Beneath the Skin 5. Kissenger brought peace to Vietnam the same way Napoleon brought peace to Europe. (by losing) Joseph Heller, American novelist (1923- ) 6. Guns aren't lawful; Nooses give; Gas smells awful; You might as well live. Dorothy Parker ,

A little boy's tiara

It's a week abundant with life's little pleasures, and I'm enjoying such a great Friday mood with the FFF ladies over at Susanne's Living to Tell the Story . If you are dropping by from Mommy Moments, please scroll down a bit; thank you. Now the highlights of my week -- 1. Birthday dinner at Cabbages and Condoms . A friend put up with my fondness for dining out and exploring restaurants. C & C supports social development programs of the PDA, an organization that complements the Thai government's effort to promote family planning. 2. Cafe de Tu . We took the sky train to get to a posh mall for dessert. There's a lovely ambience for a slice of chocolate banana cake and a long glass of iced lemon tea. It was sheer relaxation verbalizing ephemeral wishes. From the high ceiling pretty lamps cast off a warm, soft glow making the place conducive for twilight dreams. 3. Work over lunch at Fuji . Now comes a hard, raw bit. I had to carry work to one lunch bu

Newborn Days and Foggy Mornings

Friday's Fave Five: Foggy Mornings (Please scroll down for Mommy Moments) i. Refund . The business office refunded my visa problem expenses. I had to pay the fine but they took care of everything else which was a pleasant surprise as I didn't expect them to and I already conditioned my mind to face a few deprivations. A colleague who is privy to the vice president told me, "They refunded you because they need you." I don't know whether I should believe it. Foreign employees are sometimes treated like necessary evil around here. But well, it's the refund that's the fave. ii. Foggy mornings . I counted two early mornings of fog. I could not see buildings 2 minute-walk away. The illusion of cold made me smile. iii. Bible Heroes , Ceejay's new DVD interest. He never wanted to watch it when he was 3. I'm glad he's back to christian stuff. For now it's goodbye, Buddhism. iv. Phone conversation with Mama . Mozart's (on left side

Delineating Des

Search This Blog