Thailand Journal 17 – Sept. 11, 2022

 

We are on the way home from a full day in Bangkok. As usual the Grand Palace is our first stop. Among its many attractions is the Emerald Buddha. Google it. We then took a tuk tuk ride to the Reclining Buddha. But we were not even able to peep in and see it, because of all the changes. And speaking of changes, the entire pier is totally renovated, and none of our regular people are there. But we found another restaurant by the pier. We took a boat ride on the river running through Bangkok. As usual we saw many large monitor lizards, and we fed the fishes. We then

visited Cabbages and Condoms. I have spoken about this in previous blogs and journals; but I’ll repeat it for those who are reading this for the first time. C&C 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. COVID has changed so many things. This night market just recently opened since 2020, and only about 25% of the shops were in operation. Sadly, one of the causalities is the loss of the fish massage. Hopefully all will be back to normal next year.