A.S.I.A.: Ann and Sue do Kanchanaburi

April 24, 2010 (Ann and Sue-Day 2)

Kanchanaburi and Bangkok, Thailand

We decided to make a day trip to Kanchanaburi on day 2 to see some countryside and get some fresh air outside the city. Despite the rain, we made our way to the bus station after another gluttonous buffet and got all settled for the couple hour journey to one of my favorite places. We were lucky to find a tour company that was willing to let us hire a driver for the day and be back in time for the bus to the city and away we we went to our first destination.

Mom and Sue Elephant Riding

Upon arrival at a local elephant camp we were greeted by sunshine and some very friendly mahouts (elephant trainers) waiting to load us up onto our large Pachyderm friends. It was hilarious watching Mom and Sue bobbing up and down on the back of the elephant as their mahout had it doing tricks and showing off. My pairing, however, was a bit of a dud as the mahout didn't say a word and didn't have my little fella do any tricks...not that it would have anyway as it's main focus was trying to go offroad and forage for leaves amdist the farthest reaches of the trail. No worries though, I don't think many people can say that they've ridden on the back of an elephant more than once in a lifetime :)

Mom and Sue rafting down the River Kwai



After dismounting we traded our 4 legged friends for a bamboo raft and began our trip down the River Kwai. There aren't many things more peaceful than sitting in the sun with your legs dangling in the cool water as you stare out at jungle-covered mountains against the bright sky. Our boat paddler decided to show off a bit for us and pulled over to a bank where he proceeded to climb up a mangrove tree and swing and flip from a well-used vine as we cheered him on. Our driver was waiting for us at the end and we made our way into town for a visit to the market and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. It still amazes me that so much history is involved with the bridge and that so many people lost their lives building it over and over again. I think the coolest part is that the bridge is still in use by the railways and that tourists are able to walk across it and look at the speedy current of the waters below through its slatted framwork.



The Bridge over the River Kwai



Another eventful day came to an end as we headed to catch a bus back; don't worry, Mom and Sue got to fully experience Thai transportation as the bus was delayed. We made the best of our situation though and got some handmade spring rolls and local drinks to tide us over as we waited...and waited...and waited. Yea, it was really delayed, but in the end we made it home safe and sound and ready for our cozy beds.