Kanchanaburi

This weekend, I had a great time in another province in Thailand, called Kanchanaburi (pronounced kahn-chan-ah-bur-ree). It is a very beautiful place, and home of the famous "Bridge over the River Kwai" movie, as well as the Hell Pass and Death Railway from World War II. I have been researching the history of some of the wars and problems that have happened in Southeast Asia, and the wars and the killing fields have had a most powerful effect on me. I have just finished reading "First They Killed My Father", an autobiography about the Pol Pot regeme in Cambodia. I wanted to see the Bridge because POW's from WWII were forced to build a transcontinental railway connecting North Vietnam to Burma through Thailand. Over 116,000 deaths were related to the railway construction.

Besides learning more about the history in and around Southeast Asia, we also explored some of the most beautiful areas I have seen in quite some time. We rented motorbike and rode to Erwan Falls, about 65 kilometers away but well worth the trip. They were the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen since I went to Madagascar. Crystal clear turquoise water pools...and after hiking around, it was just so relaxing to jump into the cool water. We also hired a long tail boat to take us up and down the River Kwai. We stayed at a little guesthouse, and our rooms were on a raft boat, with a little deck overlooking the river. It was such a fun trip!

The only thing that left something to be desired, was the van ride going up there....the van driver was the fastest driver we have ever experienced, I think he must have been practicing for the Indy 500....but many times we braced ourselves for the worst, and at the last minute he would swerve, or brake or pass people to avoid an accident. Next time, we will definitely take the good 'ol bus.....

OHHHH and 19, that's right...19!!!! days until I'm comin' home!!!! :)