Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi was not as spectacular as what I expected. Waterfalls in North Carolina are much larger and fall a greater distance at one time. Erawn Falls starts 2200 meters up but the highest fall is only about fifteen feet. This wild monkey (ling in Thai) had two buddies with him/her. It's eating incense that was left as an offering to Buddah. The incense is lit, he was the only one who figured out how to pick it up without getting burnt. the others would grab the lit end and shake their hand and then look at us like we did it, they also got somewhat defensive after burning their hands repeatedly.

These are the friends I hung out with in Kanchanaburi. On the left is Erng, she owns a local bar and her own car which is how we traveled the 65 kilometers to Erawan Falls. Jook on the right is friends of Erng and drove me around on a motorbike I rented for +\- $6 for 24 hours. They have taught me a lot of Thai as I have taught them English.

A ten year old monk was our guide at the cave temple (in Thai wat tam) Kow Poon. He spoke in Thai so I really didn't get much from the experience as far as explanations go. Jook speaks some English but not enough to translate, but that's okay as I enjoy the experience of it all even if I don't understand what people are saying.

I spent a day with Jook's family going from Kanchanaburi to Uthong and Bat Tum Thani. The ride in the pickup was a bit tiring as there was only a thin pad for comfort. The entire trip was about 4 or 5 hours. Her family was terrific and couldn't do enough to ensure my comfort, as best they could, and safety. There were 8 of us and a baby of about 5 months.

As close as I could discern from extensive questioning of Jook, this man is like a shaman, tribal witch doctor if you will. They had the youngest children get their mouths and throats swabbed with some kind of herbal paste by the doctor and then he spryed water from his mouth on the back of their heads. The kids weren't at all pleased with the swabbing, each cried and gagged as you can imagine. By the way the doctor was completely blind and very highly respected.