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The Big Swing

Could not resist this one. You can see in proportion to the buildings just how high this is. The actual swing is no longer attached. It was formerly a sport at which many people actually lost their lives, and was therefore banned in 1930. You can only imagine how high they flew!,

Jim Thompson House

Just as the Second World War was winding down, Jim Thompson, an American architect, came to Thailand to work in the OSS - now the CIA - and fell in love with the country. After leaving the service he became passionate about reviving the silk industry, and his shop is still the premier place to buy silk goods.

His house comprises of 6 teak buildings which were dismantled and brought to the site, which happens to be right around the corner from my hotel, and on the bank of the previously mentioned canal. It is absolutely stunning, made of 200 year old teak and with beautiful landscaping. It houses his collection of antiques collected over the years he lived here.

In March of 1967 he went with a friend to visit the highlands of Malaysia and disappeared. There have never been any clues as to what happened to him. The house and business remain as a foundation.

This may be my last blog, as I fly out of Bangkok tomorrow night. Hope you have all enjoyed reading about my adventure, and I will be seeing some of you fairly soon.

Talk about wake!

This morning I was about to leave and take a tuk tuk to the Golden Mount when the receptionist told me about a canal round the corner which cost 30 cents and would take me there. Always game to try something new, I walked alongside the canal until I found a boarding point. Hoping I was headed in the right direction, I paid my money to one of the guys in blue who hang on the side, and off we went.

They speed down the canal creating a 2 to 3 foot high wake, and the plastic curtains are to prevent you getting wet. It was quite an experience as getting on and off was quite difficult and it seemed to be every man for himself. Safely ashore I noticed a young man who turned out to be Pakistani looking at a map, and asked if he new which direction for the Mount. He did not, but made the comment that maybe I was a little old to be traveling alone. I said that would depend on how old he thought I was. After looking me up and down he said 55, and was shocked when I said 66. At that point I think he really thought I should not be alone!

Solid gold Buddha

Yes, this one is not gold leaf, it is solid gold. Have no idea how much it is worth!

Floating market

Although it has become very touristy, you can still find little old ladies selling produce or cooking food on their boat. This woman is making small crepes on her griddle, which she then fills with rice and vegetables.

Sometimes the women smear a grey, ash-like substance on their faces to protect against the sun, and most of them wear a large hat.