12/13.11 From history and entrepreneurial grandfathers

The alarm clock rings. It's time to pack your things.

After a week, I have almost grown to love the largest city in the north, but now it's time to go back to the bustling mega metropolis of Bangkok. After breakfast, a hotel employee takes us to the airport. After boarding, the plane takes off and allows me one last look at the characteristic old town.

After nearly an hour's flight, we reach Bangkok and then take a bus and train to Dirk's apartment. We spend the rest of the day comfortably at the pool or the apartment. I take a little walk around the block and discover a very beautiful shrine among other things. In the evening, we go out to eat together and end up at an American restaurant with good but slightly overpriced food.

The next day, we are picked up by the always cheerful driver, who takes us to our next destination, the provincial town of Kanchanaburi. After a 2.5 hour drive to the northwest of the country, we arrive at the "Milin Villa" resort. The reception is very warm. The owner (75 years old!) takes us through the newly opened facility of two weeks. "This will be his legacy!" he happily tells us. After a short break at the resort, the driver takes us to the town. The first destination: the cemetery!

It commemorates Allied prisoners of war who died during the construction of a railway line from Thailand to Myanmar during the Second World War. Today, numerous museums and monuments remind us of the atrocities committed by the Japanese.

After so much history, we decide to walk along the Mae Klong River and devote ourselves to nature again. We discover an impressive waterfront promenade and then go to eat at a (unfortunately only mediocre) restaurant. After a 25-minute walk, we arrive at the resort.

I briefly talk to the owner, after which he offers us a tour for the next day to the Death Railway and the Hellfire Pass. I gladly accept his offer.

In the evening, I chat with the only other guest, a 32-year-old Dutchman who has also booked the tour.

I am really excited and interested to learn more about the history of the railway and the fate of the people tomorrow. Let's see what tomorrow brings.