Out and About in Bangkok

Had an early start today (tuesday), our driver picked us up at the Hotel at 8.30 and the first stop was the floating markets, wasn't quite sure how this worked had a bit of an idea it might involve a boat of some sort and lo and behold there was a boat, long and thin with a bit of an outboard and we had to climb aboard, those of you who know me well will know its not really my thing, however I'm here so I gritted my teeth and went for it, glad I did cos it was great, really enjoyed the experience however hovering in the back of my mind was now I've got to get off the bloody thing! The advert on the TV says you should do one thing every day that scares you and I can safely say done that since being here! Then on to the tiger temple, will let Lynda tell you all about this.

We were really excited about this as we'd heard that you could pet them! It's a Buddhist Temple that cares for tigers and other wild animals, in the middle of nowhere. When we got there we realised that we needed to have our shoulders covered as it was a monastery, unfortunately we only had one top so had to buy a really lovely T Shirt with tigers all over it - just my style!! As an aside we had a really disorganised day yesterday - my camera's battery had run out, Tina forgot hers; we didn't really take enough money and were worried all day that we wouldn't have enough; and then to top it all the wraps. Still hopefully we'll learn by our mistakes!! Anyway back to the tigers. Stange place, very desert like and stark, wild boar roaming around as well as water buffalo, deer like animals, goats and, of course, tigers. We petted and stroked a 4 month old little girl and I was lucky enough to give it a bottle. It's fur was soft but course and it seemed to like the top of its head stroked. We wandered around for a bit and then saw something we didn't really like. There was a 12 year old monk (yes 12 years old!) with a 6 month old cub on a lead. We was winding the cub up and hitting it with a stick and throwing stones near it. Also yanking the lead which had a metal part that kept hitting his mouth. It was horrible to watch - sadistic little bastard (don't know if you're allowed to say that about monks!!) We spoke to an American volunteer who told us that although the practices may not be as we like she assured us that they were not abused. By this time Tina had had enough so I wondered down to Tiger Canyon but again was disappointed - it was just a photo shoot! Glad we did it but a bit disillusioned.

Oh no, not finished yet! Next we went to the Bridge over the River Kwai where we had a really expensive lunch in a floating restaurant on the River. It cost 260 baht (about 4 quid). Walked across the bridge, feeling a bit vulnerable (certainly wouldn't pass your stringent health & safety requirements Jools!). I felt quite nostalgic as I'd recently watched the film again. Then went to the museum and the cemetry - very moving (not allowed to say what I really think - Tina thinks we will be hounded!) Really long drive back 150k and arrived back about 7.30 so a long long day.

But it wasn't over yet ..................

(Tina) No way, I could have quite easily crashed but we had to eat, Kevin recommended a place called Honey House, which was lovely, as has been all the food here, we have tried something new every day, had long island iced tea on the menu so thought it would be rude not to partake. Yummy, although the most expensive meal since we've been here, actually the total cost of the bill had nothing to do with the food, more the cocktails but whatever we enjoyed! Saw the elephant stalker again, every night we go out and whatever direction we go in the man with the elephant arrives, Carrie you would love it! On the way back, hugely relaxed from the Long Islands persuaded Lynda that midnight was a good time for our first Thai foot massage so took the weight off for an hour to be pampered (actually it hurt), Lynda had to go one better and had foot massage, pedicure and manicure, all for the princely sum of less than eight quid (mine was less than four), really helped my poor aching and swollen feet though. Had a quick nightcap at the hotel and read all your wonderful messages (it makes us feel really loved and important) please keep them coming! Fell into bed, night night zzzzzzzzzzzz xxxxxxxxxx

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