Floating Market and Tiger Temple

So, I made it back, with all my limbs attached even.  I did get scratched by a tiger, but it’s only small scratch and won’t leave a scar, which is a shame, because it would be fun to tell people I got scarred by a tiger.

Anyway, first things first.  I started today by visiting the floating market, which is, of course, a market that floats.  It was really interesting to see, but very touristy, so I was glad to have a guide that knew how to get away from the touristy areas.  Here’s some pictures…

 After that, we went to the Tiger Temple.  Basically, it was a regular Buddhist temple, but then people in the area started sending abandoned animals to the abbot there.  It started with birds and pigs, and animals people got when they were cute but then they weren’t anymore.  But then someone left a baby tiger, and then another, and another, and now it’s a home for 10+ tigers, from babies to adults.  Apparently since the tigers are raised by monks and have never eaten raw meat they are tame and socialized.  So now people that go to visit the temple can walk with the tigers and play with the young ones.  It was really amazing to be there and so close to tigers, especially the full grown ones.  Unfortunately it was the middle of the day and 110 degrees and humid, so by the end I felt like I was going to die, but other than that it was a great day, scratch and all.