We picked up a few souvenirs that required some bargaining. Our Group leader Nadda suggested we wait for Laos for shopping.
From the floating market we headed to the Gulf of Thailand. Another long boat ride, this one powered by an engine. The market was by paddle. There is a project going on to plant mangroves to help with erosion along the coast. This is where we were headed. As we approached the planting area we were greeted by curious wild monkeys. Nadda had purchased some local fruit for us to try along with some fingerling bananas. As we tossed the bananas at the monkeys we were fascinated to watch them wash the fruit in the water before eating.
We were treated to a roaring fight between two monkeys. They are loud and very scary when this happens. Eventually the larger monkey pushed the other monkey out of the tree and into the water right by our boat. He continued to howl and the 2nd monkey until he was sufficiently away from the pack.
Time to plant the mangroves. Nancy from our boat volunteered to help. She walked to the front of the boat and proceeded to step on the muddy bank. She sank to her knees immediately. The two young men who powered our boats came to her rescue. She seated herself on the edge of the boat and planted the plants. The boys then get her cleaned up before she came back to sit in the boat.
As we proceeded back to our starting point we stopped to say hello to the boy's parents. Their dad was diving for cockle shells. Their mom was in the boat emptying dad's catch. It is interesting to note that many Thais were full face masks, hats and arm coverage to protect themselves from the sun. Having white skin is important
We had lunch under a giant mangrove tree at a restaurant along the river before heading back to Bangkok
Today we left the hustle and bustle and impossible traffic of Bangkok and headed to the Gulf of Thailand. In the way we stopped at the floating market. Here is where the locals sell fruits and vegetables along with an array of Thai goods. What makes this so interesting is that the Thais are on long flat boats on the canal. Some have stalls along the canal. The best way to experience the floating market is in a long boat. If we thought the traffic in Bangkok was bad you haven't seen a long boat traffic jam.
We picked up a few souvenirs that required some bargaining. Our Group leader Nadda suggested we wait for Laos for shopping.
From the floating market we headed to the Gulf of Thailand. Another long boat ride, this one powered by an engine. The market was by paddle. There is a project going on to plant mangroves to help with erosion along the coast. This is where we were headed. As we approached the planting area we were greeted by curious wild monkeys. Nadda had purchased some local fruit for us to try along with some fingerling bananas. As we tossed the bananas at the monkeys we were fascinated to watch them wash the fruit in the water before eating.
We were treated to a roaring fight between two monkeys. They are loud and very scary when this happens. Eventually the larger monkey pushed the other monkey out of the tree and into the water right by our boat. He continued to howl and the 2nd monkey until he was sufficiently away from the pack.
Time to plant the mangroves. Nancy from our boat volunteered to help. She walked to the front of the boat and proceeded to step on the muddy bank. She sank to her knees immediately. The two young men who powered our boats came to her rescue. She seated herself on the edge of the boat and planted the plants. The boys then get her cleaned up before she came back to sit in the boat.
As we proceeded back to our starting point we stopped to say hello to the boy's parents. Their dad was diving for cockle shells. Their mom was in the boat emptying dad's catch. It is interesting to note that many Thais were full face masks, hats and arm coverage to protect themselves from the sun. Having white skin is important
We had lunch under a giant mangrove tree at a restaurant along the river before heading back to Bangkok
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