Sunday 1 March 2009

Kanchanaburi.

So I had an epic day travelling (see below) to Kanchanaburi and along The Death Railway over the River Kwai and onto Hellfire Pass. It was pretty emotive, on one hand you had these amazing views from halfway up a cliff, perched on the most rustic bridges over-looking the river, but on the other hand you just think about how many prisoners of war died building it. It was very contradictory in terms of whether you should be "enjoying" it. They say it's one man for every sleeper - so nearly 100,000.

Hellfire Pass also, this is where they've terminated the line before it heads into Burma and the last stop of the train - give or take a 20 minute bus ride. I mean in photos it doesn't look very impressive - a dirt/stone path leading through a gap in the cliff, but this thing was made with nothing more than a hammer and a chisel in conditions you cant really imagine. Made me a little somber, especially because I was the only person there. If rocks and trees had eyes, to think what they had seen before my casual swagger. Complete awe.

The journey: Taxi to South Bus Terminal, bus to Kanchanaburi, train from Kanchanaburi to Nam Tok (Death Railway), bus from Nam Tok to Thong Pha Phum (Hellfire Pass), hitchhike from Thong Pha Phum to Kanchanaburi (courtesy of 'Add'), bus from Kanchanaburi to Bangkok, taxi to Khao San Road. This took place between 7:00AM and 10:00PM and was totally worth it. X

1 comment:

  1. Hi Tom you really managed to express the feelings you must have experienced, yes it must be difficult to know quite how your emotions should react knowing that so many people suffered. Never the less it must have been an experience that will never be repeated in quite the same way. At least you have are having the opportunity to see this part of the world and making good use of your time.We are in regular contact with your Mum & Dad never has text messaging been so active. Your blogs are giving a real feel for the area and a lot of time is spent trawling the internet looking at the areas you are visiting.We suspect the scenery will now be changing again as you head south and become more beach orientated. Take good care and carry on enjoying the experience Love Christine and Malcolm

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