Bridge on the River Kwai

Located 128kms to the west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi's main claim to fame is the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, popularized by Pierre Boulle's novel of 1956 and the epic film of the same name made in 1958 (won 7 Oscars, 3 BAFTA Awards, 3 Golden Globes, etc).

The bridge was built during WW II and now the track is developed into a walkway with side platforms, this allows crossing the railway bridge on foot. These platforms are useful as viewpoints and for avoiding trains (Orient Express passsing by this route !). A small tourist train runs back and forth across the bridge too, cost Baht 50  per person in August 2010, obviously Little Miss favorite part of the trip :)

Our first trip exploring Bangkok provinces with our own car and relying it solely on the GPS, so happy to know that everything works out great. The infrastructure is amazing here, the roads are wide and no traffic whatsoever. Our Little Miss enjoyed the ride, plenty of things to see and we've seen many Factory Outlets shop (although we didn't stop to any, I was more interested in the Orchid's nurseries along the way, will blog it separately).

Enjoy the photos !!!

Say NO to war !

Ready to cross the famous bridge

Heavy clouds, view of floating restaurant rooftops (where we had our lunch ) from the bridge

Lovely findings on the other side of the bridge

Bridge from the bottom

Fastest way to cross the river :)

Second time crossing, no safety railings !

Little Miss & I waiting for the Tourist Train

It's here, let's GO !

On board the tourist train

View of River Kwai on the other side taken from the train

Refreshing coconut drink, best on hot day

The Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American businessman who helped revitalize the Thai Silk and textile industry in the 1950s and 1960s. We visited his beautiful traditional Thai house (now museum) at the end of a quiet soi by the Saan Saab Canal couple weeks ago. The house consists of six authentic Thai houses interconnected seamlessly to appear as a large elevated house set in a lush garden. No nails were used, only wooden joints and pegs, a standard feature in the traditional Thai house.  The house making up the living room is 175 years old, the oldest house and the other houses are 75 – 150 years old.

Cameras were not allowed inside the house but during guided tour we're shown his extensive art collection that is both beautiful and intriguing. Our tour guide mentioned that Jim Thompson collected a lot of art piece that is broken which for Thai people is considered bad luck ! As you might know, Mr Thompson vanished without a trace when vacationing overseas and his disappearance remained an unsolved mystery to this day.

PS. Except for Sundays, Jim Thompson house is open to the public from 9am to 4.30pm. 

Pak Bung Fai Daeng

An essential dish, both in home style cooking and at restaurants. Pak Bung (in English : Water Spinach or Water Morning Glory, in Bahasa Indonesia : Kangkung) is a very common vegetable in Thailand, as well as other South East Asian countries.

It is very easy to make at home, in Indonesia the leaves are usually stir fried with chili and garlic, my Mom in Bali will add terasi bakar / belacan, virgin coconut oil and jeruk limo with the previous 2 (the concoction called bumbu plecing), it is my childhood favorite. But in Thailand I am crazy over Pak Bung Fai Daeng, it is stir-fried with oyster sauce or soybean paste, garlic and chillies. To cook something “Fai Daeng” in Thai means over a really hot fire. The result is an absolute delish, the first item in my food order whenever we are eating out in any Thai Restaurant, just loved it !!!

Celebrating Queen's Birthday

We attended candle light ceremony in the hotel yesterday to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Sirikit birthday and to offer blessings and prayers for the Queen. She was born on August 12, 1932.

Like the King's, her birthday is a national holiday and is also Mothers' Day in Thailand.

Her Majesty Queen Sirikit

People across the country lit candles at 7.29pm

Little Miss, fascinated by the power of microphone

Can you spot us ?

Celebrating Mother's Day at Angelini with friends

Durian

Durian @ Bang Rak Market

The "king" of fruit in Southeast Asia, it has distinctive odor, an acquired taste and also banned in some establishment. Although the fruit is not native to Thailand, the country is currently one of the major exporters of durians in the world. Peak durian season in Thailand is between May to August, you can find them easily in supermarket or any corner of open market.

Currently I'm crazy about durian pancake served in one of the Chinese restaurant here in Bangkok, it has faint odor and smooth creamy texture, perfect ending of a great supper. Note to self, must go for another pancake or two before the month end.

Khanom

Whenever I see these sweet Thai cake in the food bazaar here in Bangkok I can't help myself but to get couple of packages to enjoy them later at home.

Got no idea what's the exact name of these yummy treats but I found out from our guidebook that Thai sweet cake like these ones were called Khanom in general and they are available almost in any market / food bazaar, just have to find them :o)

The main ingredient is cassava flour, the two on the left are covered with steamed mung beans & filled with fresh coconut and the round colorful ones on the right are filled with coconut sweetened in palm sugar, the center is crispy and caramel like, so good !

Come over for tea, anyone ?

Celebrating Songkran

Our Little Miss going to school with Thai outfit today,
for the last day of this term before the Easter break they celebrating Songkran (festival of water) in school,
all the kids came dressed up, so cute :o)