Thailand Journal 20 – Sept. 9, 2018

Today (Sunday Sept. 9) was the annual trek into Bangkok. We visited the Grand

Palace, and then took a tuk tuk ride to the Reclining Buddha. While we were eating lunch a huge thunder and rainstorm raged. I’ve never seen the river that runs through the city so high. As it eased up we bought some ponchos and got in the boat for the “cruise” through the canals. There were lots of komodo dragon lizards, and we got to feed the greedy fish. Visited Cabbages and Condoms. I have spoken about this in previous blogs; but I’ll repeat it for those who are reaing this for the first time.. It is part of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA). On a version of their website they mentioned that the organization’s goal is to reduce poverty and facilitate health and socio-economic

development through family planning and agricultural development that is appropriate to the local community. The website mentions that their efforts have contributed “significantly to the decrease in
the annual population growth rate from 3.3% in the mid-1970s to 0.6% in 2005. During the same period, the number of children per family fell from 7 to under two.” They are doing a superb job in responding to the social and economic challenges facing Thailand; and won a major grant from the Gates Foundation for their work. From there were went to Asiatique Night Market, where we shopped till we dropped at 9:00pm. The highlight of that adventure of course, was the “fish massage.” If you are ticklish, it is not for you!