Aug 21 2007

There are those who call Bangkok the Venice of the east, and while I've never been to Venice I find it hard to imaging that the side canals of Venice look anything like those in Bangkok. It's hard to imagine that minutes away lies the hustle and bustle of a major business centre. A much simpler type of life, small shacks, paddled skiffs, waterside markets and temples all line the edges of the Chao Phraya canals.

This morning, still smarting somewhat from my adventures yesterday decided to spend the extra few dollars and hired a longtail boat to take me up the river and through some of the canals from the hotel. Taking off early we worked our way up to Wat Arun and then up one of the canals. Instantly the scene transforms as small houses with makeshift dots are lined up side by side. Pipes running fresh water dot the landscape and skiffs are parked out front of each house (and apparently cars on the other side of the house...not all modern amenities can be forgotten). As you work further in to the canals lush vegetation and festive house plants become the dominant scene.

The longtail boat driver was funny. Not funny as in telling jokes, but he was very determined that I take pictures of what he thought I should take pictures...most of the time I couldn't figure out what he found interesting. But overall he was quite good and made sure he took his time, I saw a number of tour boats race through the canals and I can't imagine folks saw anything worthwhile.

2 hours and 1000 snaps later (seriously, I had no idea I took that many photos, though because we were moving, even slowly...with the low light a lot of out of focus shots. In some instances shooting like this was easier than when you actually had time to focus and compose shots...just set it on automatic, with autoservo focus, and rapid fire and keep your eyes open....figure out the details later. Though I will say in hindsight I should have packed the backup camera with a second lens. While I could get the driver to stop on occasion, for the most part he just thought I was commenting on the scenery and kept right on going.

It was a great time, though I probably would have taken some Dramamine if I had realized just how rough it is on the river in a longtail boat...got a little dicey there for a second! I've had a nice afternoon of rest, the ground has stopped swaying, some thai food by the pool, and it's back to China Town (in the daylight this time!).

Bangkok, Thailand
August 2007