Adventures in Bangkok day 2

Trains and boats. Our lovely guide Jean showed us the ins and outs of the skytrain and the public and private array of boat transit. The Chao Phraya runs through Bangkok, making it a major commute option. We took a tourist boat, some local boats, and a private longtail through the network of canals.

The canal tour was fascinating,  and a rejunivating break from the stifling heat. The canals look like an Asian combination of backwater bayou and Venice. Crumbling shacks alongside lush garden houses. Giant monitor lizards sunning on concrete foundations, bars, schools, and a dentist...just people living.

The sky train is clean and cool-and busy. Many of the rides involved pushing and cramming like sardines. Polite sardines. People here are friendly and helpful. The crowds everywhere have been intense. The kids are getting really good at the art of crowd weaving.

we are experiencing technical difficulties getting our phones up and running, and getting my camera photos online, so these are just some I've taken with my phone. Hope to get better ones on tonight.