Nov 2, 2008 - On to Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Up at 5:00 am and out to an early breakfast this morn at 7 am. On the bus to head out of the hotel by 8. We headed straight out of Bangkok south to a small village on our way to Kanchanaburi to see how they make coconut sugar and candy. It was very sweet. They also soak nuts making it taste like brickle. Here we saw 2 Kamodo Dragons in the wild. About 3-4 feet in length. And, naturally, do a little shopping. We then continued south to the Damnoen Saduak where you see the floating market where everyone (people, vendors, restaurants,etc) all selling from small shallow boats. Pictures will be the only way to do this justice. It was amazing, interesting and hot! Then we went to a local popular restaurant for lunch. Many interesting choices of dishes our guide selected in advance was brought to the table. White rice, whole fish baked, whole fish fried, giant prawns, veg, fish cakes, chicken, mushroom soup, spicy shrimp soup, then fruit for desert. Too much food! We then continue onward to Kamchanaburi to the cemetary of the men who died as POW's while the building of the railroad through Siam (Thailand) to Burma during 1941-1944 (WW2). Over 6,000 Dutch, British and Australian men died in the construction of this railroad. This was also depicted in more detail in the War Museum giving you a full account of what happened. It was horrible. We then climbed into some Long Boats and motored up the River Kwai to see the famous Bridge Over The River Kwai from the river. Here we disembarked and were able to walk across it before the train came. Yes, you can be on the bridge as the train goes by taking many peope and locals to the waterfall. Near the bridge was many markets as well for shopping, but be very careful. Some do try to sell you gemstones that are not real. Dinner was in a nice restaurant right next to the river with the same kind of Thai foods as lunch. Our hotel is right across on the banks of the river next to the bridge. It's a lovely hotel, with very beautiful gardens and fountains. Mosquitoes are bad in the evening. Running to the room for lock down and bug killing before sleep. G'nite