Sightseeing in a water taxi this morning. There are numerous canals intersecting the river.The first stop was the Royal Barges Museum wheree these spectacular barges were being prepared for a Royal Procession very soon. We saw detailed carvings being painted & repaired with gold laquer and mirror mosaic. The barges are powered by 44 oarsmen and have cannons pointing forward through the prow carvings.

We then visited the Artist's House, a series of canal front dwellings converred to retail arts & crafts.

Last stop was the Royal Palace and temple complex. Amazing buildings dating back centuries but lovingly restored. Incredibly busy and hot, it would have been better to go in the morning.

I'm sitting next to the river front on the hotel deck and a gecko just popped on me from the roof! Wonder if itlli bring good luck?