..The Splendor of Ayutthaya, World Heritage City..

Renowned as our ancient city, "Ayutthaya," the organization of each event must be extraordinary. This year's Red Cross Fair is no exception. There are many activities, but due to the mourning period for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the activities focus on His Majesty's royal initiatives to join in commemorating his great kindness and to pay respects to him. There will be a musical fountain show and multimedia on the water curtain. There are also many shops and OTOP products for sale. The Yoy Si Yai Fah Ayutthaya World Heritage City and Red Cross Fair will be held from January 29 to February 5, 2017 at the Ayutthaya Historical Park.

As for myself, I had the opportunity to visit this event for the first time and it has been many years since I last visited the Red Cross Fair. Therefore, what I will take everyone to see will be the walking street area. Let's see what's interesting to see, eat, shop, and chill.

First of all, when entering the event (actually, there are many ways to enter, but I chose to enter this way because there is convenient parking, in exchange for paying a parking fee of 40 baht 555+) The first shop is fried insects. There are many different species. I can't eat a lot, but I tried the auntie's food. I ordered 30 baht of fried grasshoppers. It was a pleasure to walk and eat.

Next up is this vendor, a squid seller who loves likay (it reminds me of a close friend who loves likay with all her heart. We were gossiping about likay and found out that there will be a likay performance in Tha Ruea district for about 10 days and 10 nights, but they haven't found a venue yet. I hope she will know the venue by then. If there's a chance, we might meet at the likay stage. Hehe) We gossiped while comfortably watching the innovative squid grilling. Ordered 3 more for 15 baht each, totaling 45 baht. No dipping sauce, please, or I'll get my hands dirty. 555+

Innovative barrel stove.

I haven't even walked far, and I've already bought another one. What do you call it at your house? At my house, we call it a "Mek Krabok." Give me another one for 30 baht.

There are also boiled beans, but I don't eat them. I'm used to it.

This dish is a regular at our house. We often make it. It's a long, cylindrical sticky rice dessert.

After walking for a while, I started to feel hungry. So, I decided to grab a bite to eat. There is a large restaurant on the corner that offers dishes for around 50 baht each. Let's support the local vendors! This event only happens once a year, so it's a great opportunity to contribute to the Thai economy.

Stir-fried minced pork with basil.

After a satisfying meal, we continued our stroll through the bustling crowd. People were busy shopping, some with children in tow, buying balloons and enjoying the amusement park rides. Teenagers were playing games to win large stuffed animals, creating a lively atmosphere quite different from what it was years ago.

The cuisine also offers a variety of unique dishes, such as "Khanom Buang Cha Khao," a crispy crepe traditionally made with a golden-brown batter. However, this version features a striking black batter infused with Cha Khao, a type of Thai herbal tea. This innovative twist not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a distinct flavor, attracting customers and elevating the value of the dish.

A staple at charity fairs in every province is the crispy rice cracker, "Khao Kriap Waan." However, there seem to be fewer vendors selling it these days, possibly due to various reasons. This particular vendor, however, has maintained their commitment to selling this traditional snack. I commend them for their dedication.

The youth corner also offers a variety of activities, such as tank climbing (apparently at the national championship level), a haunted house (which used to be very scary, but not so much anymore because you always get to kick and punch the ghosts, haha), a girl falling into the water (there were a lot of people walking by because the girl was dancing while sitting, which was cute in a different way), and a new addition, the disco turntable (which seems to be very popular with young people).

There is also a Ferris wheel, but there are few people.

Next, it's time for young people like me to participate in some activities. Let's start by taking a chance and see if I can get a doll from the lucky draw. I spent 40 baht and the result is... nothing! 555+

Let's check the last digit together. Oops!

After missing the first prize, let's try again at this place. This time, hoping for a big win, I placed another 100 baht bet on Bingo Pa Choke. Look at the prizes!

Fellow participants in this shared destiny.

Bingo

And finally, I was rejected again, walking home dejectedly. I couldn't take it anymore, but wait a minute! I was struck by the color. What kind of shop is this? It's so yellow. Let's go in and have a look. It turned out to be a beverage shop called "Men in Truck". This shop claims to be the original milk tea shop. Let's try it! What are we waiting for?

Sure, I can translate that for you. Here is the translation:

Of course, what are you waiting for? Order two cups: banana and taro milk tea (I'm not sure if that's the right name). The taste is rich and not too sweet, just right. Most importantly, the owner makes every cup by hand.

Taro milk tea has arrived (don't be nosy, hehe).

Strolling along, sipping on bubble tea, I thought it best to head home. But wait, my gaze caught a crowd gathering. What could they be looking at?

The artist is deaf, but he is very talented. He draws portraits and caricatures. He is a very kind person who does things that benefit both himself and society. I applaud him for his work. I will support him when I have time. If you have time, please support him too. His location is at the roundabout near the entrance of the IAU school. Let's support good people together.

And then ..Yoy Si Yai Fa Ayutthaya, World Heritage City and Red Cross Fair 2017.. brought me back to the atmosphere of the past once again .. Thank you.