Read Chapter 4: “Rafting,” here
As the raft was approaching the bridge everybody was excited. Finally the raft drifted under the bridge and then stopped at a nearby pier.
“I hope you enjoyed the ride,” said the guide. “Please come again.”
The Lesters paid and climbed up the stairs that lead to the foot of the bridge.
“Why are there so many people visiting this bridge?” asked Alice.
“This bridge has a very important historic value,” Dad started explaining. “The story behind the bridge is sad.”
“Did the men buried in the War Cemetery work here?” asked Brandon.
“Yes, some of them worked here and also built a railway that extends on both sides of the bridge,” said Dad.
“During the Japanese occupation of Thailand materials for the bridge were brought by the Imperial Japanese Army. The first version of the bridge was completed in February 1943,” continued Mom.
“Is this the bridge they built?” asked Alice.
“What you can see here today, in Kanchanaburi Province, is the reconstructed bridge. Because the original bridge was bombarded many times by the Allies, little remained of the Bridge on the River Kwai at the end of the war,” said Dad.
“The sad part of the story is that many POWs died while building the bridge and the railway,” said Mom.
The Lesters crossed the bridge by foot. They had to be very careful not to trip and fall in the river. The children enjoyed it very much. It was a great adventure. Dad took a few pictures with the children and their Mom on the bridge. Then he asked one of the many tourists on the bridge to take a picture of the whole family.
“Cheese,” they all said at the same time, smiling happily.
When they reached the end of the bridge they stopped at a restaurant to have lunch.
“Kids, we have to wash our hands first,” said Mom.
“But…,” tried Brandon to complain.
“It doesn’t matter if you are at home or in a trip in the country. You always have to wash your hands before every meal,” Dad interrupted Brandon.
Illustration by Eric Barrientos
