Great flights to Hong Kong and Bangkok - even if somewhat long. Arrived a bit tired as our flights were all full to the brim and no way we could stretch out. Anyway, all's well and we are delighted with the trip so far. Spent our first day out at a floating market - we were told it was the "quieter one" but it was chock a block full of people. Boats crashing into each other as we were paddled around the canals. Fascinating to see and smell!!!! Saw one boat with all sorts of baskets of fish, shrimp, etc. on board and the flies were competing to see who could get the best spot. Guess they come free with the fish!!! Took a motorized longtail boat ride through some other canals and we had to remember to keep our mouths shut otherwise we would have been sampling some of the nice Thai waters. Back to the hotel for an early night as the time difference was catching up to us.
Then yesterday we were up and out at 6:45 AM for a trip to the River Kwai and surroundings. Boarded a small passenger van and proceeded through the Bangkok morning rush hour to pick up various tourists at other hotels. It took about an hour and a half to pick up everyone and then another 1 1/2 - 2 hours to drive at breakneck speed to the river. Our driver was Sterling Moss in disguise with a death wish to boot. He gave us some thrills. If I (C) could have gotten to the front of the van I would have had my foot firmly on the brake pedal over and over and over. Phew - some driving!!!! Went to the War Cemetery, Museum, and then Dave walked a short ways over the Bridge (built in 1945). Then we were off to catch a ride on the Death Railway. We were told the train would be there in just 5 minutes. After about 25 minutes the train rolled into the station. We climbed aboard and enjoyed a 1 1/2 hour ride through the countryside. Unfortunately the vegetation has grown so high along the rail tracks and banks that you can't see much but that was okay - it was an experience. Met a couple of lovely young girls from Slovenia and spent a good part of the time talking travel with them. Then off for lunch at a floating restaurant. Sat along the riverside and watched the longtail boats fly by. Lunch was really tasty - buffet of stir fry and veggies. Then we were back aboard our bus for a trip to a waterfall. Lots of tourists there and lots in swimming in the pools at the base of the waterfall. Then we were back on the bus and picked up and dropped off tourists along the way back to our hotel. Took forever to get back as the evening rush hour is almost gridlock so not much rush in the whole process. Great dinner at the Narai Hotel. Dorothy, the Narai is spectacular. Likely much renovated since you all were there. Lovely and open and bright inside. Back to the hotel for a cold one and off to bed.
Today we start our actual tour and will be off at about 9 AM for a tour of some of the sites of Bangkok.
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