Rice Grains

Wednesday morning at the unearthly hour of 6:30, I met Norma and Darlene at their hotel in Bangkok, where we boarded a tour van going to the famous floating market at Damnoen Saduak, about 1 1/2 hours from Bangkok. Since I already have floating market pictures on a previous blog entry, I won't put too many repeats here.:)

I bought noodles from this woman. MMMMMMM....GOOOOOD!

Aren't we photogenic?:)

Our next stop was to a teak wood carving shop. Talk about detailing....
They start by drawing designs on paper.

Then, at least as I observed, they use the pictures to chisel outlines into the wood.

From the basic design, then, another person chisels in the details, using a variety of tools.

The results include the following items:

Beautiful screens (cost $3000-$4000 US)

Dining sets (value for table and 8 chairs $9382 US)

Massive rocking chairs built for two????:)

From the wood carving shop, we headed for lunch and then the Rose Garden. The Rose Garden is actually a beautiful resort with many wonderful Thai cultural displays and a great Thai cultural show. One of my favorite parts of the show is the dance involving nimbly skipping between moving bamboo rods. I am trying something new here and want to download a low quality video through You Tube.

I have a shorter clip that shows the imPOSSIBLE speed with which the dance ends, but I think you get the idea from this video clip.:)

After the show it was time to return to Bangkok; we wanted to eat supper together before parting ways. Our guide recommended a Thai restaurant called "Cabbages and Condoms". Yes, you read right! She said it is decorated with various kinds of condoms and is known as such because the owner wants to promote family planning....:)

We opted to eat at a Charlie Brown's, a Mexican restaurant, instead.:) Then we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. Presumably Darlene and Norma are now safely back in Lancaster, PA.