How to Sail in Style in Old-Time Bangkok

I was just wandering down by the river in Bangkok, Thailand one day, minding my own business. I do that, just wander in new cities. Sometimes I just get hot and tired and hungry - go figure - but more often than not, I stumble upon something wonderful that I never otherwise would have known was there. This was one of those times.



Along the river, I noticed many homes built on stilts. I was surprised that people actually lived in houses like that so near the city center. They were doing their wash and so forth in the river - a river that flows right through the heart of Bangkock.  Try that in the East River of New York City and your clothes would probably disintegrate.



Just walking along, I stumbled on this boat house that didn't look like anything special. There was nobody around, it wasn't fully enclosed, just a bunch of boats sitting there. To be fair, it is probably in all the tourist books, though it sure wasn't in mine. This was a long time ago, so who knows if it is still there, or you have to pay admission now, and so forth. I just walked right in.


Somewhat startled, I took a few pictures. You can see one with what looks like a cannon sticking out from under the god.  I'm sure there is something deeply symbolic about it all, and that this was the height of luxury whenever it was from, but I was just struck by how ornate and colorful it was. What made it most special to me, though, was simply stumbling upon a treasure by happenstance. That's why I wander off. Since people in general don't get that sort of curiousness, usually I am better off travelling alone, which I think is better for all concerned.