Photography, Thailand, Travel
Thailand
Trish and I have just come back from a trip to south east Asia and this is the first in a series of posts about the trip – along with a few photo of course We booked a trip to the floating markets about 150km outside of Bangkok. Had no idea what to expect. My big worry was that we would have a big bus load of tourists and be whisked from place too place to a schedule. We were up at 6 the following morning and met t he tour guide rep in reception. We got on a bus with 6 or 7 others and had to listen to 3 south African women complain about another who was a little late… We got to a staging area and got divided up between the different tours being run that day. This guy approached up and told us he was our private guide for the day – Trish & I, a guide and a driver in a big Toyota with air -con – could not get better than this. So, we headed off in the car, the four of us. One of the most amazing things about Bangkok is the contrasts; one minute there are 8 lane highways, skyscrapers, massive junctions and trains whose tracks are at least 150m above the ground, the next, there are old canals and rickety houses made from wood and galvanise sheets in true shanty town style. In Bangkok, these are mixed together in the most bizarre way. After about an hour in the car, our guide dropped us at a warf on the canals. we were picking up one of those mad canal boats that featured in the Roger Moore Bond film – The Man with a golden gun. We took a boat for a half an hour along the canals to the floating market. It was like entering a different world, all the houses along the canals with the myriad of life – people washing hair, clothes, kids playing everything. It was obviously a very poor area. We eventually arrived at the floating markets. These are are the biggest in Thailand and are struggling as younger people desert the lifestyle and buyers choose to go to Tesco for fruit & veg – yes, Tesco…. The floating market has lots of people selling fruit & farm produce, as well as lots of stands selling cooked food- bits of fish, chicken and pork – tried a few of these, the fish and pork in particular were very good. Anyway, some images from the first few days in Bangkok.
11 Comments
Merv
Gerry, these are wonderful! Really like the one of the 2 women making the offering in the temple, and also the wood carver .Awesome stuff as always!
Merv.
Gerry
The women making the offering is one of my favourites as well
Thanks Merv
Ciaran
Some really nice images. Hope you’re holding back the F panel shots from public view?
Ciaran De Bhal
Great portraits Gerry. Keep ’em coming. Looks like you and Trish had a nice trip. I look forward to seeing more.
Iñaki
Ciaran thought the same as me. I’m sure you’re going for an F after a trip like this? 🙂
eilish Berrow
Love the woman with the ladle and no teeth. The longshot of the boats is gorgeous: all the colours make me feel a painting urge! e x
Gerry
Thank you Eilish
Bob
Great pics Gerry. I’m not sure how you do it but you seem to capture people in their own little worlds. Hard to describe. I like your living buddha pic 🙂
Shay Farrelly
Sounds like a great trip, look forward to the rest of the blog. Was in Vietnam recently myself and loved it, whetted my appetite for more of South East Asia. Love the photos, lovet o see more.
PS maybe update the copyright date to 2012.
Gerry
Hi Shay,
Really enjoyed the whole experience.
Regards
Gerry
Pattaya Tours
Nice posting! Thailand is awesome place and just love to visit there.