There was an offer for a pre breakfast lakeside tour this morning, attempting to see yesterday's Black Bittern, which I still wanted to see.. I got up in time but my legs wouldn't work. Neither did I want to walk at the pace of others as it was an open invitation. We finished packing and walked down to breakfast.
A Cinnamon Bittern had been added to the list - and the Black Bittern flew across the road as they walked back for breakfast. Damn.
A White-rumped Shama, Racket-tailed Drongo and Jungle Fowl showed well as we ate. So hot this morning.
One stop on the way to Bangkok, a large and open area of paddies, where farming is done in the old fashioned way. This provides for a large rat population and the raptors to feed on them. I associate raptors with hills and ridges.......
It was extremely hot, we only managed about 30 minutes in the sun. Our stools were set up at the edge of a field, the others standing nearer to the van. We saw Eastern Marsh Harriers, Black-winged and Black-eared Kite, Greater Spotted Eagle and (a cause of much debate) an Eastern Imperial Eagle. A good return.
The nearer we got to Bangkok, the more congested the traffic. Without touching the centre, we made our way over canal and river bridges, through 'real' Bangkok, eventually stopping and walking a short distance to a roadside stall, where we lunched in the noise and chaos. The stall is leased by Choom's wife, serving only noodle soup. Everyone eats from the stalls, carrying it home in bags and cartons. Noodle Soup is less than about 50p. We had extra bits of pork in ours. We then had dessert from across the road, fresh mango and a sticky rice/coconut milk and sugar dollop. Traditional Thai dessert and delicious. . The fruit is whatever is in season. I was delighted that it was mango, some of the best I've ever eaten.
Another traffic ordeal before arriving at our Novotel, on the side of the city nearest the airport.
Waw, luxury. Bellboys who sorted the luggage, a lift to the 14th floor, hot water and soft beds. Free WiFi and a couple of hours before leaving for dinner in the very large dining room.Too much food to pay for in the buffet, we all chose from the a la carte. Pam and I ordered snitzchel, what arrived was fish !! Eventually we got our ordered meal but the crumbs contained sage which neither of us like. The chocolate ice-cream dessert was scrumptious.
Thailand is lovely, the birds a great addition to the world list. Never again will we bird with others. With our age and limited mobility it's too frustrating and, we don't get value for money.
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