Saturday 29 June 2013

Talin Chan, Bangkok, Thailand, June 23rd 2013

Talin Chan and the Floating Market...

What to do on a Sunday morning in Bangkok? A Sunday only market in the suburbs is one possibility, and not just any ordinary market either - this one floats! Talin Chan is a northern suburb of Bangkok and has one such market, albeit a tourist set-up according  to various Internet blurbs, but nonetheless an insight into an old way of life before the evolution of Bangkok's middle class society and the advent of the likes of Tesco.

Bus 79 go's to Taling Chan stopping at the market, but to get it requires  a short hike across the bridge near Thammasatt university to the bus stop for all busses into the northern suburbs. 79 rolls up under the grey overcast, drizzly but at least it's cool, well, cool for Bangkok I suppose! 20p and 20 minutes riding through Bangkok's suburbs towards the market. Over numerous canals and along narrow busy streets, a far cry from life in the downtown area.

A handful of western tourists but plenty of excited Chinese travellers eager to experience the delights of this floating market. The Westerners by sharp contrast look rather subdued, as if nursing hangovers! And me, well somewhere in-between - no hangover and containing my excitement.

A colourful, vibrant scene along the little lane leading down to the canal. All manner of produce lining both sides leaving just a narrow gap of hustle and bustle. Fruits, vegetables and of course a host of food stands - mini pancakes, satay, fish and various other products of a somewhat dubious nature!

A sight to behold as hundreds of fish clamber over each other in a mad scramble for breadcrumbs! Feeding the fish here seems as popular as feeding the pigeons in London's Trafalgar square as locals and tourists toss bread into the murky canal. As for the floating market, well, quite disappointing really. Not a market exactly but more of a floating cafe. About 5 pontoons with a handful of little boats supplying the folks above with  cooked goods, mostly seafood and pricey since this is predominantly a tourist domain.

The Riverside Community and Sunday Lunch Thai Style....

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