Monday and its Bangkok Again

I think I arrive in Bangkok 5 times during this trip and here I am again. Don't really like this place as it has the chaos of a city and no open places to escape. Still can't really grumble.

Medical news. Thai tummy remained for a few days although under control. I've developed a heat/allergic rash to something which 'Piriton Allergy' is controlling - although it is driving me a little mad. And on Saturday I cracked a tooth - which also isn't too bad as its on a dead tooth. I guess thats why I carry my medical bag around with me.

Since last blog. After Chai Nat we reboarded our rice barge and headed down a smaller river towards Ayuthaya - which was the capital of Thailand before Bangkok. The river trip was excellent - lots of fish farms lined the banks and some beautiful scenery. Ayuthaya wasn't very good. I can't quite work out why the historical sites aren't interesting. I think its because these sites are located several miles out of the new cities - so you get the feeling that these are parks created for tourists rather than actual towns. Still thats what we are here to discover.

After Ayuthaya we set off for the River Kwai. We took an old train - and I mean rickety old train with uncomfortable wooden seats and an 'interesting' toilet - up the track - over the bridge (which is of course not the original) to our raft boats on the River. The site of the Hell Railway memorial was quite poignant - its hard work wandering around in that heat without having to deal with POW facilities. And the construction effort was fantastic. There but for 60 years .

The River Kwai raft barges were a bit twee for me. Very relaxing and staffed by a local village people - the Mon tribe. However, this tribe had long since given up any pretence of native existence and were fully focused on the tourist trade. Went on an elephant ride where the mahoot (jockeys) were dressed in Arsenal and ManU shorts yapping on walkie talkies!!

Back in Bangkok and members of the group are now fragmenting off into different factions . Some are going home, some to Koh Samet for a few days and some off to Islands in the sun!! I'll post a blog about the group later as its a good study in people watching.

Oh and a cooking tip. The chef on the boat cooked many of the meat dishes in oil, garlic and coriander root. (dig up the plant, wash off the soil and chop it up). Not sure if it improves the taste but the chefs amongst our party thought it was a good idea.

Off for a last meal later and then catch you from Koh Samet.

hope everyone is well and happy.

Send my condolences to Ted Matthews family - he was a good man..