Yes I was humming 12 days of Christmas when I wrote that title.
Since I am not running as much because the half marathon is next week, I usually walk more as a result. I wanted to go to the botanic garden which is a national park and purchased a ticket for a live show elsewhere later in the evening. Both those places made the other points of a triangle with my hotel. The hotel was close to the hospital I had appointments at.
I walked it anyway.
Lesson #1. Look at the details. I scanned the route but missed the bit about a ferry. It is the only way across the river. No worries but it was hot out. Most of the walk was not very scenic. Except for this sign…
I thought it was pretty humorous.
I followed maps towards a commercial dock but an alley before it led to a small village and at the end you can catch a boat for 10 baht. (That is 33 cents). No schedule, just when there are people to take.
The other side of the river was beautiful. A lot of vegetation. Some houses and a few were very modern looking.
It was a very narrow road with bicycles, motor bikes, and a few cars sharing the road.I saw a cute little coffee shop and purchased water and carrot cake. There was literally nothing around it.They grow their own organic produce.
Further down the road was the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park And Botanical Garden. Many people were riding bicycles and a healthy heart race was going on.
From here I found the path to get to the riverfront where the Calypso show will be at. Though a little tired I decided I would have to walk this because…
…you guessed it. I needed to cross a different section of the river going a different way and needed a ferry.
Lesson #2. When you follow the path through the jungle it is best to not know what is underneath you.
The path took me on a concrete walkway elevated in the boggy jungle. There were street lights. How bad could it be? Not very as long as you did not think about what was rustling around and beneath you. I could only imagine!
I have to say though I loved hearing the birds and overall it was the most delightful part of the day as it was peaceful.
Little pathways came off of the major path that led to people’s houses. You could tell because there would be a random door blocking the path. I don’t think anyone would get in the water to try to get around!
This reminded me of northwestern PA where people have cabins they stay in during the summer. The houses are nestled amongst trees with little roads between.
Lesson #3. I had already learned to not look dogs in the eye or speak to them here in Thailand. They are trained to protect. But a dog on a porch and I’m far away won’t mind if I take a picture…
I didn’t get the picture. I started walking away quickly when it growled and lept off the porch. It followed me a bit. If I would have run or looked back I’m sure it would not have let me go. I met a few other dogs today that knew I was a stranger and glad I was on the other side of a fence.
Finally I reached the ferry which was a motorized row boat. No signs. Just a guy with boat.
Looking back at the jungle whence I came.
Yes, this is the pier I climbed onto when I crawled out of the boat. I sometimes wonder what I’m thinking…
I still walked a distance this time through a really upscale neighborhood and many shops to look at.
This caught my eye. Two cemeteries (Jewish and Protestant) side by side.
Finally at Asiatique by the Riverside I had time to look around and find something to eat before the show started. There, old warehouses were converted into blocks of shops and restaurants.
Pineapple fried rice and a mango smoothie.
At the riverfront.
An old building from the time of trading between Siam and Europeans.
Lesson #4. You can get two massages at the same time. Fish (garra rufa) for your feet along with a seated massage. Once you put your feet in, it really tickles then it just feels cool. They increase the blood flow to the skin and eat dead skin cells. Just what I needed after walking so much.
Now the show. There are male and female performers. Some of the males dress as female and the opposite. But they include many different cultures and some from different countries. They do lip sync.
Elvis!
You can take pictures with the performers at the end. This guy was great singing as a female and was hilarious!
A very good but tiring day! Yes, I took a taxi home!