Sunset at the ruins

The old mingle with the new in Lopburi. Three hundred-year old prangs stand a stone's throw away from 2009 cruising SUVs. My history buff heart danced merrily the entire weekend we were there:

1. Taking a refreshing morning walk around the sunshine bathed swimming pool of our hotel. In the town center there is an abundance of critters that characterize Lopburi -

2. Monkeys. The main purpose of our weekend trip was to witness the monkey party. It's amazing how hundreds of macaques turned up to feast on chinese and thai delicacies, courtesy of rich locals and Coca-Cola whose marquees provided shade for the long-tailed guests of honor. They didn't seem to mind photo-snapping tourists in their midst. And we didn't mind watching our belongings against their tendency (or impulse?) to snatch.

3. Sunset at the ruins. Quaint and quiet, we had a large part of the ruins all to ourselves for several minutes. A beautiful mystique engulfed the place as the sun headed west.

4. Restaurant dining. One thing I love about holidays, no matter how brief, is not having to cook or prepare what appears on the table.

5. A friend who cares. From King Narai's palace we proceeded to a snack shop where Cj threw a tantrum. Of all places! I'm probably still so used at having Cj's nanny follow us everywhere that I was so angry and embarrassed at my inability to fix a disaster that lasted almost an hour. Back in Bangkok I choked on the whole thing for days until a friend who was with us on the trip gave me a sound analysis of what happened. I appreciate feeling better after hearing his take. His empathy tightened a cerebral screw which loosened up a bit as a result of such a difficult parenting issue.

~ Susanne @ Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday's Faves ~