i speak in silence

Monday, November 2

Sangkhla Buri for the Second Time

A grueling seven hours ride just to see the famous Mon Bridge... again. The bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Thailand and was built for mobility purposes between the people of Sangkhla Buri and the Mon Villagers. Cars and trucks were no longer allowed to pass but the bridge still ranks as a famous place to visit for photo opportunities, sunset and sunrise, as well as for bathing.

Mon Bridge Entrance

No entrance fee was asked but there were donation boxes at each end of the bridge. There were also some photographers willing to take your photo and frame it for a fee.

A bridge made entirely of wood.

Longest walking bridge ever!

There were a lot of people since it was a Thai holiday when I was there. The first time I went was a weekday and it was almost empty.

The temporary bridge at 450 metres.

The second bridge that runs parallel to the upper one was built to enable locals and visitors to cross the river. It was intended as a temporary bridge after the original bridge was washed away by a storm.

Throngs of Local Tourists

More than 500 residents spent six days building the floating bridge after the collapse of the Mon one. Expected to be done in two to three weeks, the people of the two villages, Thai and ethnic Mon people, showed they were a united community and finished the job in record time.

Swimmers!

High Jumpers!

Picture Perfect!

Will I go back for the third time?

Yes, I will!

Probably a refreshing swim is what I need.

Friday, October 30

Suphanburi: Sea Paradise

People might think that I don't work because of my unending travel posts in Thailand. I do and part of de stressing is to go around and explore interesting places. One of them is Bueng Chawark Underwater Sea Paradise in Suphan Buri, around 160 kms. from Bangkok.

I didn't bother going to the adjacent zoo or the vegetable garden as it was at noon. It was quite sunny and humid so going to an air-conditioned aquarium place was more inviting.

The Bueng Chawark Aquarium was established under a project in honour of His Majesty the King. There are three buildings to visit where freshwater and marine fish from Thailand and elsewhere can be found.

the sprawling Bueng Chawark Aquarium

There is this 400 metres aquarium tank that greets you as you enter the biggest building. It is a photo opp but challenging as you need to kneel to get a good shot.

the tall aquarium

This 8.5 metres long transparent tunnel is home to some bigger fish and sharks. The addition of a sunken boat adds to the mystery of the deep.

the tunnel

Housed in one of the smaller buildings, these assortment of marine and freshwater fish was one of the crowded areas that day. There wasn't any entrance fee to see them unlike in the tunnel.

sea water species

freshwater species

The view from the entrance of Bueng Chawark Aquarium. It leaves me in awe to see how serene and aesthetically pleasing the area is considering that this was opened in 2009.

Have a lovely weekend!

Tuesday, October 27

Of Caps and Photographs

I have gotten attached to a gift given to me many years ago. It was a present from Italy, a black cap with a very discreet designer logo. I adore it the moment I placed it on my head. This is for keeps and it is!

This cap had been with me in my many adventures. While perusing the photos of yesteryears, I have multitudes of photographs with my cap on. Allow me to post the narcissistic side of me.