The highlight of my day was definitely going to a floating market about an hour and a half outside of Bangkok. I liked the cab driver who drove me from the airport, so I had him pick me up at 6 AM from my hotel to head to the market. It was pretty cool to see some of the suburbs, but also sad to see the high level of water from the heavy rains that have been hitting suburbs of Bangkok.
At the floating market, I hopped into a boat which took me around to the large market area, small market area and stopped at a temple for a photo opportunity. I didn’t think much about being in a boat by myself (although I did think the ride was a little pricey) until I realized I was the only one that had a boat to themselves on the water. All the other boats were typically without motors and packed with about 12 people. So much for trying to blend in… Obviously the trip would not have been complete without a coconut in hand (I think I am addicted, but it could be worse, right?).
From there we headed to a coconut farm where I got see lots of coconut trees.
Before heading back, we went through the large market again so I could get some food for breakfast (grilled bananas, coffee, mango sticky rice and some other mango deliciousness in banana leaves).
The boat driver asked me at the end if I was happy. Ummm…I just came from a place where you can buy hats, food and souvenirs on the water. Of course I am happy. “Good. You happy, I’m happy.” Precious indeed. We docked our boat and headed back towards Bangkok for the day.
On our way back, though, we stopped at a temple. We could not go inside since it was closed, but I enjoyed watching the huge fish swimming around in the water as I waited for the cab driver to say his prayers. We did go to another temple nearby, though, that was open. The cab driver told me I will be very lucky because I went to that Buddha.
All along the road there were stands selling some kind of fruit, so we stopped and got a couple. Apparently it was a big orange? I still don’t really know what it was, but it was good and that is really all that matters to me. The cab driver told me that I would have additional luck because I tried that type of fruit for the first time. Does everything I do bring me luck? I guess I don’t mind.
So I am thinking that what Seattle is missing is a floating market. I am thinking that the waters of Puget Sound are a little too rocky, so I will have to brainstorm some other waterways that might work and let you know. J
