Tuesday 23 the day , family and friends

Tuesday 23rd

Hell Fire Pass,

Left the hotel early to go to the War Museum at Hell Fire Pass, named as such because the prisoners worked 24 hours a day, lit at night by torches, and in horrendous conditions laboured with hand tools to cut their way through the mountainside. About 100,000 soldiers and Asian workers died in the construction of the rail link which was built over a period of twenty months.
The Museum was built by funds donated from the Australian Government and it is a very fitting tribute. Visitors have to make their way down a very steep staircase to reach the rail track and walk along about 4km of track restored and safe for use, but this is not a trip for anyone who is not ambulant. Bob , whose brother died is seen here by the trackside at a plaque and memorial .

One of our group took himself off for a walk, split the group up and caused us to be an hour later than schedule in leaving – “plonker” is an understatement.

So off we set, for the next two hours doing what appeared to be going round in a circle, as we eventually ended up back on the main river at the Summer Palace about 60km north of Bangkok, so it took us two days to get here. The area we are in at the moment is covered in rice fields and in the wet season is usually under water and occasionally with bad flooding. They think they are in for a drought this year and will possibly get only two growing cycles instead of three.

For lunch we stopped at a so called Typically Thai meal, in an ever so run down place out in the sticks, it was obviously run by one of the family of the driver or Guide.

The Summer Palace at Bang Pa –In was beautiful, set in pristine grounds, but never ever used by the family now for anything other than formal visits.

We managed our Tesco stop, but in need of some of Mr Gordon’s best, we had to buy 10 litres minimum as we were out with the permitted hours. The shop was spotless, just like those at home and the staff taken aback by fourteen foreign folks.
4.15 p.m. and we have been on the road since 8 a.m., still got another Temple to visit before we get to the hotel.

Cont.

So we did go to another Temple, but were only there for 15 minutes , really to save doing it a.m. Wed., By this time we were shattered so we were happy to get on the bus, finish a beer and were soon at Krungsri River Hotel.
Very nice room, top of the house with views over the city, a wash, drink and out to explore!!
Headed along the street to the 7Eleven for more juice and postcards, next we tried some delicious pancake sweets from a vendor at the side of the road, then in to a local bar where we ordered food and beers – BUT – they served everyone in sight and we, after 30 mins decided to leave, best move so far. We spotted a tiny little bar / café on stilts over the river - well, it turned out to be a very local family run bar, with all members present, great choice of crocodile cartiladge , fried cow tongue, frogs , ostridge, snake head, etc , lovely - anyway, we had a brilliant time, the food we eventually got was tasty, freshly made, and a true taste of Thailand – and a real laugh with the whole family trying to talk to us.

On our way back we were offered a genuine Thai massage, but looking through the door there were several clients being walked upon and manipulated, etc, just a bit too much after our dinner.

So up early again tomorrow for another long day.