Into the Cental Provinces of Thailand

Today we visited two cities, Ayyutthaya and Saraburi.  Ayyuthaya once was the capital of Thailand (Siam).  It now has a Royal project that is not unlike Good will, but focused on local handicrafts.  Some of the tools they used were very old, but the work they produced was exiquisite.  They made, among other things, rattan furniture of very high quality, banboo baskets and needle works that was were very intricate in their detail.

A few pictures

sanding the rattan

they had a glassblowing shop....this is art, not knick knacks

a lotus flower

This ad, shot from the bus, is for Lays Potatoe Chips, but the flavors, lime and chilis (need garlic, too) are so "ubiquitous" in so many of the foods....I think this is one thing that really makes Thai food Thai (and lots of seafood).