Back in Bangkok for a very special train journey!!

Time to leave the beautiful Koh Samui.  Over to on the ferry to Sarat Thani which only                                                took about 40 minutes and then onto the sleeper train back to Bangkok. 

        

                                                

                   

        

Arriving bright and early to Bangkok. We had a lovely walk through Lumpini Park                                   and found a couple of those Thai Lizards just wandering around,  we even spotted                                           one off into the tennis courts!  Josh didn't think he would be any good!!

                 

            

  

After a good night sleep it was time for a very, very early rise to catch our train                                         to the 'Bridge over the River Kwai!!'

     

         

 

Our first stop was Chedi temple in Nakhon Pathom

                                       

              

                          

     

                                                                   

                              

                           

Over the famous bridge and up into the hills for some great views of the countryside.

                                                   

                                      

Our stop at the end of our track was Nam Tok.  There was a waterfall which wasn't                               too impressive as it was the dry season but you could see where it will flow when                                   in the rainy season and I think it would be pretty spectacular.  This did not deter                                     the local children from getting in the water & having a great time.

       

                                

                                       

                                                                     

          

          

               

                                  We passed through some very pretty train stations on our journey.

                     

               A typical Thai house.  Built on stilts to avoid the water in the rainy season.

                         

              The graveyard for the war heroes of the Second World War at Kanchanaburi

          

                                               

Tea time on the train.  Food was ordered earlier in the day and en route home                                      some locals boarded the train with all the goodies. Obviously very well organised                                     as the whole process went off like clockwork and they hopped off at the next station. 

                        

It was a great day out and well worth the 5am start to the day!!! 

At only 120 Baht each it was a bargain for a full day excursion!

It wasn't the poshest of trains and had no air conditioning but with                                                                all the windows open and the breeze blowing your hair it all added to                                                      the experience!

Penang Street Art

Penang street art was started when Penang Municipal Council commissioned Lithuanium artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012 to create street murals that would represent the energy and playfulness of life in Penang's city centre streets of George Town.  Originally he created 9 pieces of art which have now been added to by various artists throughout the streets.  Locating the street art was a bit of an adventure.  We were given a map by the hotel and off we went.  Some took up the whole side of buildings and others we had to search up alley-ways.  Some were large, some were very large and some were very, very small.  Some had props attached to the walls and others stood alone.  Some have weathered over the years but I think this adds to the charm of the discovery knowing that you have seen them and one day they may not be there to see due to weather and just old age.  Which ever one you are looking for once you get close you inevitably spot a few tourists with their cameras out.  This one below is probably the most famous one.  It was a tricky one to get a photo of as it is situated on a busy crossroads with taxis and tri-shaws rushing past.  We had a great day exploring the streets of Penang in Search of these treasures and Josh loved being map reader for the day.  

I think the art makes Penang such a special place to visit as it is always changing due to new art being introduced over time and others that are fading or crumbling, some of which have already been lost to the elements.  Who couldn't fall in love with these two kids!!

      

                                                      

                

                                                        

                This one was a really small one and would have missed it hadn't it been so colourful.

                      

            

                   This one is hidden behind a fence an could be easily missed.

                                                  

        

Not sure how much longer this one is going to last as all the plaster is coming off around it! 

        

These poor kittens have been vandalised by some paint.  

These we're hidden up an alley and we would have missed them if a friendly local helped us out.

           

  

                                                   

            The two below are Joshua's favourites! 

                  

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This one wasn't on the list we had so I think it could be one of the newer additions.  

              

             

                          Like I said some were BIG!

             

                                                    

                        

As we made our way around the streets of George Town we came across these iron art works around just about every corner.  There are more than 40 of them dotted around the streets.  They all have a wee story & a reason for their location.  These came about after an art competition named 'Marking George Town' was held by the Council.  The council loved the idea of using cartoonists to create stories about the streets of George Town.  Being made of iron and just attached to the buildings this proved popular also for ensuring they stood the test of time.  They are great as each has a story attached and as you walk through the streets you are being educated about Penang's history!  Every day is a school day as they say!!!! 

    

This one is situated on the road where rope making took place hence the girl getting her hair braided.

                    

          

                                      

One of the favourites, there is actually a grate under the fallen driver                                                       which makes the illusion even better.

My favourite one depicting Jimmy Choo shoe making as he began                                                          his apprenticeship on this very street!!

I am no artist but I'm sure everyone would appreciate a wander around Penang's Georgetown.