Yesterday, I decided to check out the area. My airport taxi driver had pointed down the alleyway, from the hotel, as the best way for me to go. I headed out and turned left, remembering the way he pointed. What luck! The road is filled with coffee houses, restaurants, and shops. I walked to the end of the road and saw a 7-Eleven, perfect for stocking my mini hotel fridge with cold drinks. I turned right and ran into Wat Phanto.

The teak Buddhist temple, with gilded accents and colorful mosaics, was founded in the 14th century. As luck would have it, there’s another Wat on the same road.

Wat Chedi Luang is just steps down the road from Wat Phantao. There’s a 50 Baht entry fee. Clothing is provided, for free, if you’re not dressed properly.

I read a few complaints about women not being allowed into the building that houses the City Pillar. Some tourists wanted their money back and others said the Wat should be a avoided. According to WikiGender, “It is important to provide a clear explanation about Thai history and the reasons why women are not permitted to access in certain areas, so that foreigners and tourists can understand better.” Amen to that!

All in all, a pretty great first day. I sat at a restaurant, directly across from Wat Chedi Luang, for two hours. The outside seating area was perfect. The music being played was mostly One Direction and Taylor Swift. It was pretty funny and also funny to sit there singing along. Who knew? There’s an all you can eat breakfast buffet, back on that road, just down from my hotel. I’m going to check it out today. Afterwords, I’ll head back to the restaurant from yesterday, buy a cold Coke, and chill! Because ….

“You and I, we don’t wanna be like them, We can make it ’til the end, Nothing can come between you and I ….” XOXO—GGT