Here are some pictures of yesterday's trip down the Mae Klong Railway to the amazing railway-track market in Samut Songkram. (Click on any picture for a bigger version.)
| Here I am at the start of the journey at Wong Wien Yai station in Thonburi. Note the light blue shirts being worn in the background. They are commemorating the Queen's Birthday today. |
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| This river at Mahachai is very close to the Gulf of Thailand, and so there were many fishing boats like this one. I was also trying to take a picture of the birds who were standing on floating plants in the middle of the river. |
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| A look at the chaos of getting on and off the ferry across the river. And yes, you are allowed to bring your motorcycle on the ferry as well. |
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| The end of the line at Ban Laem station. The train shown here is waiting to take me to Mae Klong, Samut Songkram province. |
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| The first stop after Ban Laem station is at this temple, with a huge statute of the Chinese goddess Kuan Yin pouring water out of her vase. Her two acolytes, Long Nu and Shan Tsai, stand in front of her. |
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| When the train is not using them, the tracks become a foot path between the produce and seafood stalls. Be sure to wash those veggies when you get them home! |
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| Amazingly enough, these are the tracks that the Mae Klong train uses. When it's time to leave the station, the vendors hold back the overhead tarps to make room for the passing train. |
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| One of the tiny stations along the way is nothing more than a rain shelter. A dirt road leads from the tracks to the village. |
Really interesting. Really authentic. Thanks for sharing it.
There you are good lookin'!!! :-)
The amazing adventures continue. Thank you for sharing!!
Love you!!
WOW, you are having a great time teaching somewhere in Bangkok! I have loved reading about all your adventures. I am an expat living here - well, use to be BANGKOK - now Nichada.
This last train trip sounds like something to do with my in-laws (80's) - nice ride, interesting - not too much walking up temple steps.
Keep the updates coming....where in the US are you from?
Hi Pat... thanks for the comment. I am from the SE US originally, and lived in California for a few years before moving to Bangkok.
Just out of curiosity, where/what is Nichada?
- Stuart
You mentioned in one of your updates a few years ago that you had a friend out there I thought - it is where the ISB school is located in Nonthaburi. Is there a way to communicate without it being public domain?