I’ve been there before and know the symptoms. The condition is called Acute Temple Overexposure, caused by going to too many breathtaking historical sites over a short period of time. It happened while I was traveling in the Yucatan peninsula back in 1996 and by the time I got to Tikal in Guatemala I saw so many Mayan pyramids in Mexico that nothing could “wow” me anymore. Here again I’ve been on a daily diet of temples pretty much ever since Bhutan. You can see what I mean if you look at the latest photo albums from Bhutan, Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
Since returning to Thailand I had to pass some time in Bangkok, arranging a visa to Cambodia and waiting to meet Kayo who was coming from California to start her own trip. It was the perfect opportunity to see the sites instead of just using the city as a transportation hub. Some of the historical sites are quite stunning, especially the Grand Palace complex and the huge reclining Buddha of Wat Pho. After meeting Kayo we also went to see a musical show called “Siam Niramit” which went through the history of the land.
And now I am in Ayutthaya, “the fallen city” where there are temple ruins in every corner… Not that I’m complaining or anything – it’s gorgeous over here, but I need to be careful not become indifferent just as I get to the crown jewel i.e. Angkor Wat later this week.
