..... That isn't over the River Kwai - never has been a Bridge over the River Kwai !! .... I have cut and paste this little titbit from a website ...
"The Bridge over the River Kwai gained worldwide attention when the fictional work of French author Pierre Boulle was made into a major motion picture of the same name.
Unfortunately, he had never been to Kanchanaburi or he would have known that the railway does not cross the River Kwai. It actually crosses the Mae Klong River.
When the movie – which was actually filmed in Sri Lanka - became popular, Thailand faced something of a problem because many tourists came to see the Bridge over the River Kwai and they didn't actually have one. So, with admirable lateral thinking, they simply renamed the river. The Mae Klong is now the Kwae Yai - Big Kwai - for several miles north of the confluence with the Kwae Noi - Little Kwai -, including the bit under the bridge." -
BRILLIANT !!
Anyway, it's still a great film and it has been great to see the bridge, regardless of what river it's over.
I arrived in Bangkok (couldn't bloody get that song "One Night in Bangkok out of my mind !!) a few days ago - it's a massive place. I chose not stay on "The" Khao San Road - an area of Bangkok that everyone I've met so far has raved about .... I'm always a bit dubious of places that a "The" is put in the front of ... I got a river taxi down there though and had a look around and it just seemed over backpackery (new word) for me .... great if you want to buy a t-shirt and sit around talking about your travels in "South East Ayshaaah" - but not for me thanks ! My hostel (which was brilliant - think industrial chic) was in the Bangrak area, not far from the old red light area of Patpong. Yes, it is as you imagine it - I sneaked a photo of the "Boys" area.
I have to say, Thailand isn't half as bad as I expected with the begging and continous hassle - in fact I've hardly had any. Mind you, once you've been to Cusco I don't think anything can count as hassle ! Also Bangkok wasn't as intimidating as I expected either, quite chilled out actually and I've learnt my "thank you" in Thai ... Kop Koon Ka - I'm sure that's not how it's spelt but it's how I'm saying it !!
Anyway, after a couple of days in Bangkok I got a train here to Kanchanaburi - great train ride - about 2 hours. On arrival I found a place to stay (plenty of choice) at the Rainbow lodge, really peaceful on the river.
Today I hired myself a little twist and go for the extortionate price of 4 quid a day !! Not bad to scoot around on ! Will probably keep it for tomorrow. Everyone here (from the apparent age of 7 years old) ride scooters, they are like a swarm on the road !
You can actually walk across the bridge even though it is still used by trains - I mean it's just a bridge I know but it's pretty bloody historic !
I'm staying here for New Year then who knows where next ?! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!
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