Thailand

I went off to Bangkok for business. I had to fly on Sunday, so I left earlier in the day so I could explore a bit. I went down to the river and hired a "long tail" boat for an hour. It was 800 baht, about 23 US$. The driver took me down the river and then back into the canals. The canals were lined with shacks on stilts where folks lived. There were many children swimming in the brown, dirty water that had tons of litter and also big swimming lizards! I saw one that was about 3-4 feet long. Don't know what it was, but don't want to find out. The kids were yelling and waving at me. There were also many people fishing. It was quite the ride. Lots of poverty, but I get the sense that the Thai are happy people. Certainly friendly.

Later, as I walked near my hotel, a cabbie offered to take me, for 30 baht, to a special massage parlor. All customers are asked if they want anything "extra". I declined. Bangkok is very spread out. It is large and dirty. I saw one father helping his young son pee in the gutter of one of the main streets. Lots of stray dogs and cats.

We did have a great lunch at a Thai restaurant. Noodles, curry, soft shell crab... very good.

Coming home this weekend for business in Boston next week. Looking forward to it. Is anyone reading this?

Jed