Lop Buri- part 2 {Day 13}

We left Hua Lamphong Railway station early in the morning on our way to Lop Buri.

While walking through the station the Royal Anthem began to play.  

I stood still, both Reed & Fiona did as well.  They didn't ask why or utter a peep.

 Discourteous tourist bustled by us but my little ones stood at attention... it was a proud moment for us.

{as a side note in 2008 a Thai citizen was facing criminal charges for failing to stand for the playing of the Royal Anthem at a movie theatre in Bangkok. It's serious stuff.}

can you see the kids getting ready to board the train?

Our trip there was via 1st class seating. It was nice and comfortable- no complaints.

  After experiencing third class on the trip back I prefer the dirty ride. 

Once in Lop Buri we took rickshaws to the first temple.

This temple is still active. 

There was a monkey performance going on. 

 Other monkeys were playing on the jungle gym pictured above.  

There was a pool below it that they would jump into.

Locals left food offerings for the monkey troop that resided there.

It was a pretty wild scene and the monkeys themselves were a bit crazy too.

Unfortunately there was no monkey security, meaning they ruled the place.

inside the temple

a grandma who wanted a picture with Fiona

A monkey from the performance.

 

On the streets there were monkeys everywhere.

These two below cracked us up.

They were fat and obviously found a great location to make their hangout.

There were several other ancient ruin sites in Lop Buri.  Reed got the biggest kick out of them.  He pretended as if he were the one discovering them.  He kept asking if I would call the local newspaper to report his discovery.  It was great to see him so excited about history.

Catching the train back to Bangkok...

We opted to stay in the dinning car.  

We loved all sitting around a table chatting and drawing together.

We made Ry keep drinking beer so we'd continue to be welcome. :)

It was really neat to have the window wide open, really get a chance to see the countryside.

The homes were not like what we're used to seeing in Australia or America.

Reed has started a comic book collection from different countries.  He now has one from Thailand!

the mountains in the background were such a contrast

we watched lots of folks working the rice paddy fields

Our day trip to Lop Buri was off the beaten tourist track (as most of our trip was) and so incredibly worth it.  I can honestly say the train trip itself was worth the day spent.