A day on the river

I had a lovely day cruising on the ferries that ply the Chao Phraya river. The ferries run a long way and by combining them you get an almost three hour cruise for under two dollars. And while it isn't the Kerala back waters or the inland passage I do find all the life on and near the river fascinating.

The ferry at full speed.

A Cross river boat ready to depart.

Long tail boat passes Wat Arun.

Passengers packed in on one of the busier sections.

A stroll through Bangkok

I decided to go and see the royal barges museum a place where the boats for processions by and for the Thai royal family are kept. To get there I had to take a ferry across the Chao Praya river and then walk it from there. It was a nice walk through an interesting set of alleys and back roads and when I came to the museum it was closed! So I continued my walk and eventually ended back up at my hotel where I bought a newspaper with a lovely picture of one of the barges on the front page.
It turns out the reason they are not on view is that they are being used to train the crew that has to take them out for a procession next month.

Back in Bangkok

After three months traveling the highways and byways of South East Asia I got back to Bangkok. It seems busier then when I left and it is slightly cooler although that might well be because it rained during the night. I expect to be doing maintenance during the next few days, that is getting my laundry done sorting out my trekking gear and darning my socks, Ok not darning my socks, but you get my drift. Then all being well I will be flying to Kathmandu on Wednesday and getting ready for some serious trekking.

Wandering and wondering.

Wandering through Bangkok inevitably includes the use of boats a lot of the city is still built along canals and the Chao Praya functions as a major thoroughfare. The photo below is Wat Arun as seen from one of the river ferries.

While Bangkok is obviously a Thai city there are still plenty of Chinese, with their own temples.

And their own food.

Durian for dessert anyone?

Just a note; The Birds nest restaurant also serves Shark-fin soup, and birds nests come in white and red varieties with white third grade costing around 200 Baht for a bowl, while Red first grade will go for over a thousand. Shark fin soup is closer 5000 Baht, about $200

National Museum

Played culture vulture today and went to the National Museum.
The displays are a bit old fashioned but they are housed in a beautiful collection of buildings, formerly a palace.
The absolute highlight are the really elaborate royal chariots.
Unfortunately no pictures allowed inside the museum so this is one of one of the buildings itself.

I went for a walk around the neighbourhood this afternoon and below are some of the shots I took while ambling about.

First up the Chao Praya river

Caged songbirds at the back of one of the small canals near the river.

The 32 meter tall statue of the Buddha at Wat Intharawihan.

A man saying prayers at the same temple.

Some monks crossing one of the cities busy roads.