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Well our time in Thailand is quickly coming to an end. We are presently in the small seaside town of Ban Kruit, about 5 hours south of Bangkok, and close to the Myanmar border. Thailand is very narrow here and there are a lot of Burmese people in this area.
Thailand is actually a huge collection of migrating peoples, from Vietnam, Laos, Burma, Malaysia in the south, and China.
The people are 90% Buddhist a religion imported from India about the 6th century AD. Evidence of this religion is everywhere, with massive temples (Wats) scattered around the countryside, and Buddas of all shapes and sizes found everywhere. Every house has one, and every car also has one with offerings to the Budda to keep the car safe.
Although human habitation dates back to 2000BC, it was not until 1279 , that King Rama united the people in this area as one country (Siam).
The name was changed to Thailand (Land of the free) in 1939, and since then Thailand has had a shaky hold on democracy, interspersed with a number of military Coups, and .student uprisings . This process is ongoing with a huge anti government rally being held in Bangkok the other day. The supporters of the previous prime Minister are demanding new elections and are still unhappy with the ties between big business and the government. Lets just hope they don't take over the Airport again!!
The beautiful new Bangkok Airport is a target as it was a pet project of the present government, and represents the shady ties between business interests and the government.
We have chosen well with our stay in Bankruit, 95% of the people staying here are Thai, and the place has a sleepy, laid back air to it, ideal for a few quiet days after our fairly hectic schedule.
We had a great experience last night, when we decided to walk (3km), to the nearest village to a restaurant that Liam and I had spotted on our bike ride earlier in the day. As we started walking a flash car pulled up along side and a well dressed woman jumped out and indicated that they would give us a lift. There were already five in the car, with their two children and their Maid!!
On their insistence we piled all 9 of us in and off we went for a marvellous evening. First they took us to the local night market and then on to their favourite restaurant . We dined on the sand with the moon rising in the east and the waves rolling in. Even at this time of night the temperature borders on being too warm, but the sea breeze made it very pleasant.
The Thai couple Ko and Sa, did all the ordering for us and our meal began with dried squid as a starter, followed by dishes of local mushrooms, deep fried fish, crab and Prawn meat in the shell, Tom Yum soup, and lots more. We learnt that these (obviously wealthy) Thai people were of Chinese descent and had their own company in Bangkok in the huge water purification business.
This was just another example of the kindness and friendliness shown to us throughout Thailand!
The other thing that has happened in Ban Kruit, is that we have seen the first Blue Sky since leaving home. Although it has been extremely hot, some days you cant even see the sun, and you never seemed to get sunburnt, but that all changed when the sun came out properly.
Jennie had fun the other day as she sat under a tree reading her book a snake jumped out of the tree above her, and pounced on a gecko, and killed it. Judging by the reaction of the hotel Ladies( doing death impersonations), it was a dangerous one.!!
From here it is back to Hong Kong and then on to London for the next phase of our trip.
The kids have acclimatised well to the heat, and are enjoying their experiences, although Vanessa is understandably missing her mates. Liam is too but doesn't let on.
Tomorrow we have to leave beautiful ,friendly Ban Kruit, and head back to Bangkok, we have made some great friends here, and will be sorry to leave.
Yesterday, Ko and Sa took us to the local temple on the hill ( see photos), and with them interpreting, we got a wonderful insight into their religion and customs.
Later they took us sightseeing to local caves used as a temple and over the Myanmar border to a waterfall, and again out for tea at a local restaurant. They all had western food and we all had local Thai seafood.
This is what travelling is all about, mixing with the local people, and making friends, and having fun!!
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