I kept reading and was told Thailand's culture differed significantly from America's. I, however, found it was very much like Mississippi was 30 years ago when I was in high school. Things were changing, and it felt for the better, but people were still kind and earning the title of hospitality State. Of course, this all changed with the introduction of Fox News, fear of neighbors, and hate to diversify mindset that crept into the culture in 2000. I wanted to explore Bangkok outside the tourist areas and enjoy the coffee. Mr. Oakly delivered in all my desires. I had to look back at the Gps to tell you all where we went and played. Unfortunately, I did not have it turned on.
Graffiti Park was a great place to y adventure where we walked down a canal street and then hopped on a boat to arrive here and explore. Mr. Oakly gave me so much info and the history of the canals; however, I am giving you a link instead of typing it all out for you, the reader. I recommend you check it out.
The Origins of the Canals Many of Thailand’s cities and towns were traditionally protected by moats, and Bangkok’s first waterways were dug for this purpose. In 1782, King Rama I created Rattanakosin Island, home of the Grand Palace and the original center of Bangkok (established when the capital was moved from Ayuthaya), by administering the digging of a wide moat and linking it with the Chao Praya River. By 1850, second and third parallel canals had been dug, the city had grown, and irrigation, drainage, and transport became the canal’s primary use.
Throughout the 19th Century, the system of canals was expanded, horseshoe bends in the Chao Praya was cut off to shorten travel times, and boats became Bangkok’s primary form of transport. The canal and river network stretched hundreds of kilometers and was the city's lifeblood. It connected houses, public spaces, and temples, served as transport corridors for commercial goods, and there were more floating than land-based markets.
European influence in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries slowly shifted Bangkok to a road-based transport system. Diplomats and merchants requested roads for horses and carriages, new construction materials like cement and cast iron became readily available, and as Bangkok’s population grew, expansion centered on roads. Information from Exploring Bangkok Canals
A temple where his grandfather's ashes are located behind Buddha. I wanted to get an insider view into a temple and the meanings behind the rituals and the spirituality of the religion. I enjoyed the up close and personal touch of this guide. We walked across the street for a great cup of coffee and to enjoy the view of the canal. As we went, we walked over a bridge with symbols as a memory of the past king.
After the coffee break by the canal, we went to an incredible museum where I listened to a classical piano concert. Once again, unfortunately, I do not know the museum's name.
We then went to explore some more graffiti and have some delicious coffee and lunch.
We took the tourist ferry to see Tald Noi! This was great fun I got to chat with a girl about bunnies, and see the tourist dress in Thailand historical Costumes.
We then pop in to the flower matket and stop to have coffe over looking the river. Then finish our tour at the Jim Thompson House.
Comments