Touring Outside Bangkok

Yesterday, many of us went to the River Kwai. We visited the cemetery and the museum and had lunch a the bridge, For many of us this was very emotional, an amazing story of courage and friendship. Lunch was a buffet of Thai traditional food - sticky rice, veggies and fresh fruit. I thoroughly enjoyed the cashew  chicken.
Frank Dean and I needed to buy shirts that were not brightly colored for the next part of our trip - I found a lovely native blouse. Then on to the Tiger Temple. Young tigers were found abandoned by their  mother. Claimed by the Budhist monks, these tigers were hand raised. Now several generations of tigers are nourished by the monks. This temple and its grounds have become an animal sanctuary for deer, pigs, and water buffalo. We got to walk the tigers on a leash and many have pictures with the tigers in their laps.
This area is about 2 hours away from Bangkok. By the time we returned back to the Courtyard Marriott, we were exhausted by pleased with the day - we all ate an Italian buffet at the hotel which pleased Erik, our Italian exchange student on our trip immensely.
History lesson.
Thailand was know as Siam until 1939, dating back 700 years. Thailand literally means land of the free - interesting that the USA considers itself the same. in 1939, Burma, Cambodia and Laos were claimed by european countries, but Thailand has remained free. You may remember the musical, the King and I? the young boy in the story became King and his English teacher's influence helped him maintain freedom for Thailand.
The principle religion is Budhism. Lord Budha's teaching lead followers to enlightenment. They believe in reincarnation and strive to better themselves in each life to reach Nirvana.
Thanks to Logan Gilespie for sending suggestions to add pictures, but I am still not there yet! More instructions? Somehow, bloodspot on my iPad is in Thai and I have difficulties remembering where all the buttons are!