Olympic Torch Relay
I wanted to see the relay, which passed through Bangkok today. But I got a late start, and the ‘express boats’ are not really very express. It did not help that I missed my stop and had to switch boats to go back. But I did see a guy catch a big catfish on the pier. I am scared now to eat fish in that area, because they might actually come from the river.
After getting lost for a while, I finally took a tuk-tuk to the King Rama V monument, where the relay ended. The ceremony was still going on. Nearby, groups of teenagers in China shirts sat around snacking. One old man was carrying a Chinese flag. I did not see any protesters. Maybe everyone had gone home, or maybe the threats of arrest kept them at bay.
The official guests were protected from us commoners by metal fences. They stood around talking in groups, mostly ignoring the traditional dancers on stage. The music was high and jangly, like what I hear on the street corners from begging bands. Everyone looked ready to go home.
