The Bridge on the River Kwai!

This morning we got up early and trekked the length of the train to the observation car because we had been promised a special view - we would be crossing a 300 metre long wooden "trestle" viaduct on the banks of the River Kwai. Unfortunately every one else on the train was there too and it was a bit of a bun fight, but at least it gave it gave us some exercise, which we need because as we were to find today there's no shortage of eating opportunities!

(Wang Pho station early morning)

 

We stopped at Kanchanaburi and disembarked to travel a short distance up the actual River Kwai, a guide from the local war museum gave us a brief history of the wartime Thai-Burma railway and spoke about the terrible conditions that the wartime POW's worked in to build it. Next we visited the Museum and the War cemetery, both were beautifully planned and maintained, a very moving place.

(The Bridge on the River Kwai - with our train on it)

 

A lovely lunch sitting next to a couple of Swiss people who are living in China, both of them spoke amazing English, in fact they spoke about four languages each, the lady is even learning Mandarin.

This journey feels like a linear form of cruising, there is on board entertainment, (Peter on the piano in the bar in the evening, a fortune teller in the Reading room from 1:30, and a demonstration of traditional Thai dancing in the observation carriage at 5:00. At this rate we shall need another holiday at the end of this one to recover!

 

(On the "observation carriage")

 

(The reading room)

 

Posted with Blogsy

Last day in Bangkok

I'm writing this as we are waiting for our transfer to the station before our journey to Singapore, time for a reflection on Thailand. We have really enjoyed our stay, the people seem really friendly and are certainly respectful, they seem genuinely please to welcome visitors. We have been struck by how proud of their country the Thai people are, very fond of the Royal family - it has been the Queen's birthday whilst we have been here.

 

Thailand has had a slightly seedy reputation, especially Bangkok, but from our experience there is definitely nothing to be any more wary of than in any other foreign country. We have always felt safe and really enjoyed the taste of such a different culture.

 

(At one point during our stay I did think we had unearthed the sordid underbelly of this city when a man asked me if I wanted a "tuk tuk", but fortunately I hadn't mis heard him, he was actually asking if we needed a taxi... Tuk tuks are little scooter powered "rickshaw" -like cabs!)

("Tuk tuk madam?")

 

This train is a wonderful experience, the cabins are small but very classy, almost Victorian - wood panelled with lots of brass fittings. The dining saloon is about 6 carriages away, which is a bit of a trek, and the "observation carriage" is about 12 away! I reckon when we specifically want to see something we will have to set off about half an hour beforehand just to get there!

 

("tickets please!")

(Jan about to board)

(The room is small but beautifully formed)

 

The "Dining experience" was very pleasant, the "suit" made it's debut appearance to tumultuous applause, (not really - although the South African guy on our table did say it was "nice"). Fashion faux pas of the trip so far; because I've been wearing shorts and sandals every day I forgot to pack any socks! So I'm sat in a posh restaurant car, in a nice new suit with no socks...

(All togged up in the new suit, off to dinner - with no socks on!)

 

Back in the cabin now and looking forward to what tomorrow may bring.

Ps. The winner of the "reference" quiz on the last blog was Mike, I knew it would be!

 

Posted with Blogsy