After our bus arrived in Bangkok, we hopped on another bus for a 2 & 1/2 hour ride to the town of Kanchanaburi (west central Thailand). When we arrived in Kanchanaburi we thought we had negotiated a taxi ride to where we were staying, but found out that the 55 year old man we had been talking to was actually going to ride us there on his bike pulling a modern day rickshaw. It was like 90 degrees out (also 90% humidity) & this guy pedaling us & our huge bags was an amazing feat. We decided to up the 50 baht ($1.50 US) he had agreed on and give him a full 100 baht.We are staying at Blue Star Bungalows on the River Kwai. The prices are much cheaper here than they were on the islands so for the first time on our trip we decided to upgrade, which meant by spending 100 extra baht ($3 US) we get air conditioning. Total our room is 350 baht (about $10 US), it also includes another first on our trip, a hot shower, but with the heat we don't think we will be using this feature much.
After we checked into our room we booked a 45 minute taxi ride out to the Tiger Temple. This is totally a tourist trap, but we had to go. The story goes, a villager came across an orphaned tiger cub many years ago and brought it to his local Buddhist Temple because there was no where else to take the cub. The monks took very good care of the tiger, word spread, more cubs were dropped off, now the monks take care of many tigers (& several other animals too).
Because it is still considered a holy place, Jen had to wear long jeans & a t-shirt (no tank-tops or shorts for females). Several volunteers also live with the monks and help take care of the tigers & facilitate visitors. We were expecting a huge line, but it wasn't too bad. After waiting about 5 minutes, we were individually led into a canyon where the tigers spend their afternoons (a volunteer holds your hand, while another volunteer takes pictures with your camera).
Jen went first & Levi enjoyed watching her face light up when she was able to kneel down and pet the fur of a 300 pound Bengal Tiger. The pictures tell the story better than we could write it out.The tigers seem to be well kept and the large amount of donations the monks get are building new tiger areas.
7 comments:
B e a u t i f u l T I G E R !!
wow...that is a wonderful picture of you holding that HUGE TIGER's head on your lap, Jen! you truly are a cat lover, and any feline must sense that :) pretty cute
Levi, I felt for you as I read of your hot seat for 12 hr ride on the nite bus
Your 55 yr old rickshaw peddler must have been in good shape!good grief, I'm glad you gave him such a good tip
God bless you Jen & Levi
love & misses, mom
hey guys, just caught up on the last 5 or so posts. amazing stuff! the tigers heads are enormous! the turtle you made was great jen (levi, i couldn't see your hole but, well, i'm sure it ruled as far as holes go). about the rickshaw, on NPR the other day i heard a story about how they are trying to outlaw it somewhere in india because it is demeaning to the guy pulling the cart, but the rickshaw union is like, "uh, this is how we make our living!", interesting dynamic... anyway, keep it up
hey Jen and Levi,Just wanted you let you know,How much I am enjoying your daily events and pictures,I sure envy you jen for getting to be so close to a tiger,What a wonderful experience for you guys,I,m am glad you guys are having a great time.loved that turtle you made jen.Love you both.Mom
Awesome pictures with the tiger! The rickshaw ride sounds pretty amazing too. It's crazy what people are capable of.
Excellent Pics. Tiger reminded me of Life of Pi.
When ordering your meat ensure it is well done...
Worms are no fun.
If you get a chance call have some pretty exciting updates for ya not blog worthy.
OMG Jen, you're ONE BRAVE WOMAN!!! His head is as big as your body!!! that's awesome!! i am glad you're still alive ;)
I am having a hard time leaving a comment, so you may see them double! I was saying that you're a brave woman, Jen!!!
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