River Kwai Bridge, Thailand, June 2013

Bridge over the River Kwai take two....

A trip I made last year but didn't get off at the bridge since I  wanted that iconic experience of riding a train right across it. This time, getting off after the 3 hour trip is a relief since the seats are clearly not designed for western butts! Its a small place but developing and easy to see why - tourists by the hundred falling in behind the train as it rumbles at a snails pace over the River Kwai Bridge. About 3 hours before it returns, miss it and its a night here until same time tomorrow. So, now I'm here lets join in and walk the walk across that WW2 icon over the River Kwai. 100 Baht to get here, another 100 Baht to return to Bangkok - exactly the same as Twelve months ago!

I think here the photos will relay a much better account of the day! Page 1

Leaving Thon Buri

En-route scenery looking towards Burma

Station is too small for this train!

WW2 Relic

The Bridge

River Kwai

Chinese Memorial

Sunday Lunch, Thai Style, Bangkok, June 23rd 2013

The waterside community...

About 30 minutes is enough time to sweat it out with tourists at the Talin Chan market, time for a wander round and see what makes this community along the canal tick. Over the railway line and underneath the elevated highway to begin an exploration of a part of Bangkok far removed from its concrete jungles and metropolitan downtown. Concrete walkways above the marshland with a network of lanes leading off into some rather dark places. Sticking to the main route then trying not to upset the local hounds, tiptoeing my way towards a cluster of interestingly traditional looking properties.

Timber villas, small houses gives this place a nice traditional feel. houses, some several storeys high while others have seen better days and resemble little more than large sheds. clearly a poorer part of Bangkok - garbage control not the best I have to say. The occasional whiff of stale water mixes with the perfume of blooming bushes. The people here seem a little bemused at my interest in their community - I don't suppose too many tourists venture far from their well trodden paths. Time to move forward though as I seem to have upset a guard dog - and its on the loose!

Looks like a religious complex - temples encrusted with those jewel effect stones and ornate carvings suggest another place where monks hang out. A grand hall, rather noisy, seems to be a party going on. A few monks wandering around the place and plenty of food being prepared. Fish, herbs and various other bits and pieces being neatly prepared for the steamer. Good for a few photos, everyone is smiling. Perhaps if I hang around long enough!

Must be 200 people in this hall as I am beckoned in. Its an invitation to join in I think, yes it is as they find me a seat at a table with eight.middle aged Thai men. It's lunch time and all in honour of a brand new Monk, I am told. So, over lunch I am pretty much resigned to telling my life story - a small price to pay for this unique experience I would say!

And this is lunch with the locals...

First Course - Succulent steamed fish

Next Course -Tom Yam seafood

Squid, Shrimp among others and sugared egg

Next comes Seafood and Fried Rice

Finally, Coconut sweet milk and fruit Jellies

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Whiskey 3.50 UK Pounds

The Bangkok Album - The Talin Chan Dragon, June 23rd 2013

A Monitor Dragon joins in the fun, slowly meandering along the canal looking for a potential meal I suspect. Thankfully I was safe and well away from any danger!