I'll fast forward a bit and we arrive at Namtokphlio National Park, the "River of Life".
We walked up the road to the main entrance, past many local targeted tourist shops. Because of the rains and it being mid-afternoon, it seemed not too busy. As people walked down the hill they were talking. Beam told me that today was not good because there was a flood warning and the water was also no good.
When we approached, Beam asked me to hang back, as locals were 40 baht and foreigners 400 baht. The family seemed put off by the 400 baht. Nice of them to care
Photo: Beam 62
It was no-go, though, as there were six rangers at the main gate and they had spotted me for a farang from wayyyyyy down the block. (how'd the pick me out? lol)
The fish in the water here are huge and school in thick dark masses. When the water is safe (and clear) visitors like to stand or sit in the water amongst the fish and feed them longbeans.
The kid in the white t-shirt is Thai's brother. He's extremely sharp and eager for a chance to practice his English with me. He is still in school studying, and his English quite good. No smoking past the gold urn.
King Rama V's queen had drowned in a boat accident on the Chao Praya river and the king built this pyramid for her. Some of her ashes are inside.
We pass this, the Along Khvon Chedi, also built by King Rama V. This was to mark that the king would visit this waterfall many times. In fact, it's said that this was his favorite. (sorry I'm starting to sound like a tour guide).
We finally reach the waterfall and because of the rain, we cannot go down and play in the water. Everyone is a bit disappointed, except me since I really had no set expectations when I came (other than air conditioning and seeing a waterfall ). It was a good time to take a few pictures of my lovely companions, though!
Photos: Beam 63 64
Photo: Beam & Thai 65
It's a long, brutal trip back or at least I imagine it was so for the poor family in back. How they can take a total of 7 or 8 hours in the back of a pickup is beyond me.
The day went well. Everyone is happy and by the time we leave the forest I notice Beam's father is even smiling. This makes her happy beyond words, as it's been a long time since he's smiled. He's a hard working, non-drinking man who is just toils to provide what he can for the family under difficult circumstances. He loves the forest and has always wanted to see the falls and for him it's been a good day.
I pass out, feeling a little guilty about sitting in the nice comfortable cab of the truck, but I'm no saint, I didn't volunteer to give up the space. They did rotate in a couple of aunties in the back seat and Thai to the back of the truck, though.
By the time we get back it's dusk. Everyone is beat. I get friendly goodbyes and tired smiles as the truck is double parked in front of the mall and they pull away. Beam's father leaves as well, to head back to their apartment, and I know I'm going to need to fine Thai as she looks too tired to work (poor thing
) We head back to the room for the three S's (sex not being one of them at the moment)
(continued)