Stebbins, R. 1963 Asian Trip Bangkok Jan. 29 Harvest season in rice. Many boats loaded. Rafts of bamboo, used in house construction. Houses of wood with corrugated iron roofs, for most part, on stilts (which are attacked by Teredos & termites). Many people bathing, washing clothes, eating breakfast, cooking. Drinking water supply in pipes according to our guide, & stored in large urns. River water contains sewage & refuse of all sorts. Cute children waved at us as we passed. People in general look in good condition, well fed and happy. All seem to accept being photographed as a matter of course. Our boat followed the tourist loop along a side channel from the main river. Boys seen urinating into the water. Great throng at Floating Market - on shore and in the water, which was cluttered with boats - a constant traffic jam but everybody seemed good natured. Boats loaded with charcoal seen, propelled by person standing a walking oar attached to top of post by twisted cloth. Out in main river were many sleek fast canoe-canoe-like boats with long shafts. Dam Temple & imposing gaudy structure with much pieces of pottery and ceramic pieces. Huge gold Buddha