I slept a lot today. I was supposed to wake up at 10:30, but somehow I woke up at 1:00 PM. I felt like that was bad, but I checked with my body and accepted that I apparently needed a lot of sleep to fully recover. After waking up I took a shower and ordered khao man gai for delivery. It was unusually cheap compared to Bangkok — even ordering two cost around 400 yen.
Ayutthaya Museum — Memories of a 400-Year Capital
I took a motorcycle taxi to the Ayutthaya Museum. There were many rings, Buddha statues, and antiques used during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (around 1760) on display. Apparently Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand for over 400 years. That alone is amazing.
However, the capital fell due to an invasion by Myanmar (Burma), and many things were destroyed. I've heard there was even a time when only the heads of Buddha statues were taken.
I thought it was truly heartbreaking. Even so, it was an interesting place where you can feel history firsthand.
The night market and my first-ever Thai milk tea ice cream
After the museum, on the walk back to the hostel I stopped by a night market. Coconuts were 25 baht — very cheap — so I bought one and drank it on the spot. Then I went to a nearby ice cream shop and had Thai milk tea–flavored ice cream. It was my first time tasting it. It was really delicious.
Although Ayutthaya is very close to Bangkok, it still feels like development hasn't caught up, giving the impression of being left behind. I really felt how severe regional disparities are.
I was also worried I might encounter stray dogs along the way. I have trauma from being bitten by a dog, so wild dogs are really scary to me.
Things that come to mind during time alone
I arrived at the hostel safely and rested a little. When I'm alone like this, there are things I can't help but think about. Things from my past that I haven't fully digested yet. I think I've been idealizing them on my own. But that's okay.
I think people hold on to "lingering attachments" and "regrets" this much. That's why we must tell everything we think so we don't have regrets.
Because of what happened a few months ago, I conveyed the feelings I needed to convey, so I don't have major regrets and feel like I did everything I could. But because it's unfinished, I find it attractive. That's human nature, I guess.
I think life is interesting, and I feel happy just to be able to experience these kinds of emotions.
Ayutthaya: the last supper, and then to Chiang Mai
While getting ready at the hostel to head to a cafe, I ran into the owner. He called out, "Want me to clean?" and he remembered my name well. He was truly considerate. I wanted him to write a note in the notebook, but while I was thinking that, he had already gone somewhere.
At the cafe, I ordered a clear soup with ginger on top and a blueberry tea. Maybe I've been in the mood for hot tea lately. I finished my last meal in Ayutthaya.
Tomorrow I'll take the 11:30 train to Chiang Mai. The journey takes 12 hours. And it's a long trip in a seat that isn't flat.
I'm both excited and nervous. In Chiang Mai I want to go to the gym every day to train my body and become mentally stronger. I think I can power up more. I'm really looking forward to that.
