Pak Khlong Flower market. 

What a joy to be surrounded by the most amazing sights and scents of fresh blooms, all lovingly presented for sale and ridiculously cheap. 

Most astonishing was the variety and colour of the orchids. Whole bunches for sale for as little as $0.50 cents. 

Also the magnificent lotus flowers which were sold in bunches often with their petals and leaves intricately folded. 

There were numerous aisles too of roses as well as marigolds often used for decoration at weddings and other celebrations 

We watched many folk threading their tiny blooms onto strings for temple offerings 

And were amazing to think that these are all sold in a day. 

Deliveries to this market arrive via the Cheong Phraya river throughout the night so the blooms are as fresh as possible and there are ice sellers on site so that the blossoms remain fresh throughout the morning. 

Also within this market the bicycles and motorbikes line up,  their drivers ready and waiting to make the deliveries as the orders come through. 

We came across a group of young women chatting and making little pots of flowers for  home alter  I took a photo and told them they were doing beautiful work and, as I left they jumped up and handed me one. So sweet.

Later in the morning, escaping from the almost 40 degree heat, we were playing  cards in an air conditioned Little India food court, and I noticed a fruit shake maker not getting any business. As we left, I went to her and gave her the small floral offering we’d been gifted, and left.  5 minutes later she found us and gave me a gift of facial tissues (very handy for mopping up sweat in this humidity or for the TP-free bathrooms). 

I was so astonished and grateful. It was a lovely example of “paying it forward”. 

Small incidents like that really make your day and it a refreshing to see how much kindness and gratitude play a role in this Buddhist culture…especially on the roads…in a tuk tuk. 

Then it was down to the river to hop on a commuter boat to the end of the road and discover what’s there.

If you know what this is I’d love to know. 

An interesting apple/pear tasting fruit of unknown name. 

Unsurprisingly, there were more markets, different food on offer at the road side stalls, and the opportunity for Andrew to have an air conditioned break and a shave. 😄

Then back on the river to cruise home for the full moon show on tonight. 

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏