A Day Out

I waited all day yesterday for the monk's blessing to take effect on my knees.

Nothing.

And so, after a frankly baffling breakfast which included a hot dog sausage, we boarded a minivan and prepared to have 'A Day Out'.

First stop was Erawan National Park.

Essentially, it's a walk uphill through manicured jungle, passing by various waterfalls on the way.

Very scenic, I have to say, but given that there are seven of the blighters and still no mystical knee assistance, I turned back after number five.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that JB conquered all seven.....

Then it was time for  lunch (very nice, not a hot dog in sight) and back into the van for the second half of the 'Day Out'.

Our destination was the Hellfire Pass. Named by the Australian prisoners of war who lost the most men in its construction, today it's a peaceful place.

The excellent information centre (funded by the Australian government) lays bare the sheer awfulness of the lives (and deaths) of the men who were forced to work here.

I feel very conflicted about places like this being tourist attractions. 

On the other hand the literally thousands who died on this thing deserve recognition.

And respect. Lots of respect.

Next stop was a train ride on the snappily titled 'Death Railway '.

It's so named because, as already mentioned, so very many people died during its construction.

 Not sure if that's filtered through to today's world:

No matter. 

The train took us back through delightful countryside to Kanchanaburi and a couple of cold beers.