Almost 20 years ago, the "Floating Markets" existed right in the heart of Bangkok. Sadly, "The Venice of the East" has had to move west! We had about an hours drive out of the city to be able to experience this wondful way of life. The once abundant canals of Bangkok have been filled to make roadways and now this is the only area that still has the "Floating Markets". We had a grand day of exploring and shopping. The Welden Family tour included our new friends, Henry and Carol from Arizona. That is Carol with Kathleen in the longtail boat. These longtail boats get up to way too fast speeds for me and simply make you white knuckle the sides of the boat as you "blow by" these spots along the river! The little guy in one of the photos was our drivers son. He was about 3 and as soon as he finished what we assumed was breakfast, he laid down on the florr for a nap and missed our fun! Guess he will have another chance when tourists start going back there!
Along the river you can see everything from kids getting a bath, brushing their teeth, doing their laundry, washing their dishes...everything happens on this river. We passed a few very nice looking homes and some that looked as if it rained very hard they would collapse.
You have to know that while we were visiting Thailand there was a lot going on. There were protests in the streets by "red shirt people" and all of the Buddhists were celebrating their 3 day celebration of the Thai New Year. Also known as Songkran Day, the people of Thailand start their day on these days by pouring scented water into the hands of their parents and elders as a sign of respect. They are also hoping for a blessing from the older people. Religious ceremonies and offerings to monks are a part of the celebration. Later in the day, people "play" in the water. There were water guns for sale on every corner and people with buckets of water splashing innocent pedestrians happening by!! They think of this as a day to wash away their sins for the year and start anew, much like The Day of Atonement for Jews. It is also a welcome way to "cool off" as the high soaring temperatures were sapping for sure! At the end of this day, we were like wilted week old cut flowers! The pouring of water over the Buddha statues is a way to celebrate. Although we are not Buddhists, Kathleen made a donation to the temple of a few dollars, kicked off her flip flops, got a small cup of scented water and waited her turn in the line of gals and poured it over the statue. She may have a clean slate now!!?? The temple area was bustling with all kinds of activities. There was some sort of local bingo kind of wagering going on, people had their families in tow, buying flowers as offerings, pouring water, splashing water...it was a happening! This temple holds the largest Buddha in South East Asia.
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