Final Day in Bangkok

The Radford University Study Abroad 2008 for Southeast Asia officially ended Sunday morning at 3 a.m. when I placed 11 students in cabs for the airport. Two students were flying to Phuket to end their stay here. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every student and I believe and hope they have learned a great deal about this amazing part of our planet.

I got up about 6 a.m. and took a trip to the Floating Market about an hour outside central Bangkok. It was really quite remarkable with all the canals and boats and shopping from your boat. Yes, it has become a bit overly commercial but it was still fun. Bought nothing but fried bananas, just enjoyed the scene.

I worry that a lot of these cultures in Southeast Asia are disappearing underneath a sea of tourists who are here for just a few days. The traffic in Bangkok is already terrible (I'm not kidding or overstating) and with the addition of all those tourists (like me) everywhere you go it gets overwhelming. I know that more traditional culture is to be found away from the big cities but there's so much Americana.

Well, I'll sign off for now and will post pictures upon my return. Over and out.