Home Away From Home

Crusing the klong
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We traveled to the province of Samut Songkhram to stay in one of the Department of Agricultural Extension's Agro-tourism project.   Haung arranged for us to stay in the Banlapothai Homestay and Boat Tours.   We stayed here because we wanted to be near the Floating Market.  But Haung knows how much we, I, enjoy the more traditional experiences in Thailand.   So she worked out a deal with one of her colleagues that works at the Samut Songkhram Provincial Agricultural Office so that we could stay in one of their premier homestays.   Believe me it was fabulous.

One of the cottages you can stay in.
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We were met by Haung's friend in the provincial capital and managed to squeeze her into the truck so that she could lead us to the village where we could be staying.   Now, if you are not enchanted by lush banana, mango, pomelo, lynchee plantations then you might as well go home.   This village was surrounded by small irrigation canals that wove the small plots of land into a natural wonder.   Once we arrived at the home stay we had to catch our breathe because it was so simple and yet exquisite.   Khun Suree and Khun Somsakdee met us at the front of their property.   Khun Somsakdee told us this was the home of his birth.   Now he lives there with his wife and children.   After working in construction, in Saudi Arabia, he returned to his home and began to participate in the Agro-tourism programs  in his province.   He built 3 cottages all with air and an bathroom(s), and satellite television.   His craftsmanship was amazing.   Attention to detail in the ways that Thais are so famous for was prevalent throughout the grounds.   In between our cottages he build a outside dining area.   Waiting for us when we finally got to the dining area were bowls of fresh tropical pomelos and mangoes.   I love pomelos.   Both Haung's boys, Mean and Matt, and our boys noticed the small boats tied to the shore.  In less than 15 minutes they managed to get in the boats, paddle around the village area and fall in the muddy sludge!  It was so much fun to see the boys enjoying themselves.   We struck gold with another adventure for them.

In this long boat we glided for about an hour absorbing ourselved in the fantasy of fire flies lighting up the edges of the river bank.

All of us in front of Haung's cottage.
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As it began to get dusk, the mosquitos came out and Kenton disappeared for a while.  When he returned he was in long sleeves and long pants.   Which was funny to see because it was like 90 degrees outside.   But he was so afraid of becoming victimized by the similar mosquitos that caused me to contract Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever 16 years ago!  We all had a good laugh.

Soon dinner arrived and a feast of traditional thai foods paraded across the table.   I was in Thai food heaven.   Kenton couldn't believe how delicious and simple it all was.

Peeping into the lives of those who live along the river bank.
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The best part of the evening was the night boat ride we took along one of the tributaries of the River Kwai.   In this long boat we glided for about an hour absorbing ourselves in the fantasy of fire flies lighting up the edges of the river bank.   It was so beautiful.  With a full moon and the fire flies you couldn't ask for a better night.   Like peeping tom's, we could see the silhouettes of the villagers taking part in their night time rituals.  Bathing along the shore, eating dinner, watching tv, or getting into boats to go shrimping.   There wasn't a peep in the boys as we moved through the water.   Except for the sound of an occasional , "oh, and ah" all was silent.

Kenton and Corey ready for the long boat ride to view the fire flies.
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Being drunk from the views, we all dropped into our futons for a very hard (as in the mattresses were the hardest we've ever slept on this entire trip) and peaceful sleep.

I'm attaching a picture of the business card for the homestay if you are interested.  But here is the info in English:

BaaLapotai Homestay and Boat Tours:  54 Moo 4, Tambon BangPram, Amphur BangContee, Samut Songkhram Province 75000.   Call first:  Khun Suree Mekong - 09-2592455 or Somsakdee Mekong: 09-8054500.