Ben and Jildou in Fang, Thailand: October 2007

Bangkok

In Bangkok we spend the day and evening with our friend Som Deaw from Fang and his friends from Bangkok. Pokky on the right spoke with Ben several times on the phone to practice his English. His wife Eaw on the left with their daughter Fa. Lovely people!

On of the highlights of this trip was the German Brewery. As you see on the photo it is a massive place where you eat, chat and watch live shows the entire night! We were so impressed with the shows,,, it was just as good as Cirque Du Soleil!!!! but than there was more variety like rock bands, theater, drama, Thai dancing and much more...
Go there if you get the change! We were the only farangs in the crowd of easy 3000 people!

During our week in Bangkok we also met Yai and Jim. Normally we only see them when they visit Fang so it was a nice surprise! We had a delicious Italian meal together and went to a night market so the girls could have a look around. Jim and Ben took it easy on a terrace.

AJ friend Jeab in her travel agency near Khaosan Road. She made a really nice shop, very clean and well organised!
We went together on a cruise over the river at night time. A great way of getting introduced to Bangkok with a safe distance from all the cars and craziness.

I liked Bangkok more than expected. Unfortunately I came down with sinuses and my longs were sick too... The pollution is so bad! But you can get anti biotic over the counter in Fang so I was well soon enough.

Bangkok mix

Wood carved Buddha images for sale on the market.

A Spirit House with many colourful offerings.

The Bridge over the River Quai. There was an impressive museum. Shocking what all happened there...

And than the Cats.... Yes they won the grand finals this year!!! We had a great time in a pub in Sucomvite in Bangkok. Bartel, Ling and the brothers Ablet were absolute champions!
GO CATTERS, GO!!!

Floating Market

The floating market is one a the bigger tourist attractions close to Bangkok. We went that day on a tour to go there as well as to the Tiger Temple and the bridge over the River Quai. To go with an organised tour is sometimes the only way to see many things in one day!
Ben even went to see a snake show while I stayed longer at the market. Funny that they have that option,,,, many men had quickly enough of the market and had a nice escape!

Before the tourist came this was a normal market were the locals sold and bought there crops and other products. Now it is one big show though a pleasant one! You can buy food from the canal-vendors and there are many stalls with souvenirs.

I liked the souvenirs a lot, they are really tourist souvenirs so very different than a normal market. Nice change for me so I bought a bag and some things I can't buy in Fang.

The food was beautiful to look at, all nice on display in the boats on the water. When I would tell the banana lady in the market in Fang what the price of a bunch of bananas is at this market,,, she would not believe me!

Trip to Ratchaburi

Later that day we went to the Tiger Temple and the Bridge over the River Quai. The Tiger Temple is a place were monks take care of wild animals. It started of with a few sick and wounded tigers but soon many animal thought of this place as a safe place to live. Now there are tigers, buffalo's, wild pigs, horses, goats etc. etc. I just love to be surrounded by many animals but sure,, Ben was right we do see those wild pigs and buffalo's every day here in the villages. The tigers were the main attraction because you could make a photo with one of them. We didn't do it because the queue was so big!