River Kwai - Thailand

---

Hi Everybody!
We spent yesterday in the River Kwai region. we stopped first in Kanchanaburi, a town about 2 hours west of Bangkok. It was here that we viewed the Death Railway and the Bridge over the River Kwai. Both were built by the Japanese during WWII. They used Allied prisoners of war to do the labor. 25,000 workers died from exhaustion, malnutrition, and maleria while slaving away for the brutal Japanese. While the movie, "Bridge Over the River Kwai" is not completely historically accurate, it reflects the horror and suffering that the POW's and slave laborers endured. We also stopped at the JEATH (Japanese, English, American, Thai, Hollanders) War Museum and one of the POW Cemetaries. It was a sobering experience. We took an hour long train ride through the countryside. We saw fields of rice, tapioca, corn, and sugarcane. We also saw papaya tree, coconut palms, and banana trees. After a great Thai lunch, we took a longboat ride on the river. A number of Europeans were on the tour with us - mostly Brits. There was one American man from Texas on the tour. He is a security consultant for the airlines and was sent to Bangkok to help with the opening of their new airport. We have seen a few American men on the streets that look like they are strung out on drugs. We have not met any more Americans. Ten million people live in Bangkok. The streets and roads are very congested. Many people wear masks because of the exhaust fumes. Bangkok is not as pretty as Singapore because they don't have underground wires. They also don't have Singapore's budget for landscaping, etc. The temperature is in the 80's but it is not terribly humid. Almost every house, street, and town has a shrine or spirit house. Many sit on top of poles or are located inside a business (like our hotel lobby.) Each day, fresh offerings of food, drink, flowers, candles, money, etc. are placed beside them to keep the spirits happy. Cockfighting is legal in Thailand. Yesterday, we saw many roosters that were contained in bamboo cages. We leave this afternoon for Laos where we will spend 2 nights. From there, we will go to Siem Reap, Cambodia to visit Angkor Wat. So far, we have not had any glitches. This is amazing to me considering the visa requirements, paperwork for immigration into each country, baggage, flights, etc. We will make our 21st flight today.
If you have ever wondered what happened to all the Coke bottles - small, kingsize, 1 liter, etc. that we don't use in the U.S. anymore. I can tell you that they are all in Asia. They use glass bottles with straws.
I don't know when I will have internet access again.
Take care,
Everette

---

Comments

[Sandy Plummer]

History teacher
Everette, you make a very good history teacher. I feel like I'm there with you. Tom and I have really enjoyed your blog.

[Robin]

Home News
E, You have an appt with Dr. V on Monday, Nov. 27 at 3:45. Esther was to go to your house today, Sat. Don't know if she has been before now. Nancy Lee and Bob's wedding was today. They make a good looking couple. Son, Bill married them. We are having the most beautiful fall, most colorful I can remember. Olivia Pope arrived today, Richard and Kathy's baby. Auburn has only lost 1 game to Ark. I am going to the Georgia game next Sat. Al lost to Ms. State today. Don't have any more news. Be safe and continue your blogs when you can. Robin

[Everette]

Thanks!
Thank you for making my appointment. We were glad to hear some football scores. E