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The old mingle with the new in Lopburi. Three hundred-year old prangs stand a stone’s throw away from 2009 cruising SUVs. My history buff heart danced merrily the entire weekend we were there:
1. Taking a refreshing morning walk around the sunshine bathed swimming pool of our hotel. In the town center there is an abundance of critters that characterize Lopburi –
2. Monkeys. The main purpose of our weekend trip was to witness the monkey party. It’s amazing how hundreds of macaques turned up to feast on chinese and thai delicacies, courtesy of rich locals and Coca-Cola whose marquees provided shade for the long-tailed guests of honor. They didn’t seem to mind photo-snapping tourists in their midst. And we didn’t mind watching our belongings against their tendency (or impulse?) to snatch.
3. Sunset at the ruins. Quaint and quiet, we had a large part of the ruins all to ourselves for several minutes. A beautiful mystique engulfed the place as the sun headed west.
4. Restaurant dining. One thing I love about holidays, no matter how brief, is not having to cook or prepare what appears on the table. 
5. A friend who cares. From King Narai’s palace we proceeded to a snack shop where Cj threw a tantrum. Of all places! I’m probably still so used at having Cj’s nanny follow us everywhere that I was so angry and embarrassed at my inability to fix a disaster that lasted almost an hour. Back in Bangkok I choked on the whole thing for days until a friend who was with us on the trip gave me a sound analysis of what happened. I appreciate feeling better after hearing his take. His empathy tightened a cerebral screw which loosened up a bit as a result of such a difficult parenting issue.
~ Susanne @ Living to Tell the Story hosts Friday’s Faves ~
Hazel Ceej 
>Well welcome back my silent friend. I hope all is well. It's been a while and I'm glad you're back. How exciting to see the monkey party. I'd love to see that. And I'm so with you and restaurant dining 🙂 Great week 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend 🙂 xoxoxo
>Ah Thom, I'm glad too that I'm back 🙂
>Sounds great…the monkey party is hilarious! 🙂 And that spread of food looks amazing!
>I love refreshing morning walks and sunsets! A caring friend is one of the best blessings in life. Have a wonderful weekend 🙂
>A MONKEY party!!! LOL! I never heard of it! I would love to be there and watch though! It sounds like you had a fabulous vacation – despite the tantrum. I'm glad your friend was able to help you out on that one. 🙂
>Looks like you had a great time. I love visiting all the ruins around here. So much history. I also really enjoy restaurant dining!Happy weekend.
>That's an interesting monkey party, I bet there were hundreds of them. Looks like they were free to roam! I agree with holidays not having to cook!Welcome back to blogland and a very restful weekend!
>Wow, that sounds like an amazing trip! I love hearing about these bits and pieces!Have a great weekend!
>I could watch monkeys all day. They're so funny.I love not having to cook, too!Glad your friend was available to help you feel better. Always a blessing.
>I've always wanted to see those monkeys. Sounds like a nice vacation, I love eating out when we go on vacation as well. So restful!
>Looks like a lovely place to visit.Friends help us gain perspective when we are in the midst of a difficult time. Glad your friend was there for you.
>I saw monkeys and more monkeys in Bali. They were very aggressive about getting food in the temples.I'm so glad you have an honest and true friend who is willing to help you,as a single mother, in raising CJ.Have a great weekend.
>Hahahaha…..A Monkey partyI wish I could enjoy :-)Enjoy your weekend (@^.^@)
>Hazel, what an unusual set of fives! A monkey party, wow. How often do they get a party? How nice to have a friend help you debrief what was an upsetting episode. Good friend indeed.