Waterways

We've been exploring the area around our new place - how can it be so peaceful in the mayhem of Bangkok? There's a canal (khlong) nearby where rivertaxis whizz by - actually it's more of a river bus. The boats are long and plastic sheeting goes up to around shoulder height when standing to protect from sprays of canal water. Conductors in indigo jackets shuffle along the boat ridge collecting fares. When you want to get off, the plastic sheeting is lowered and passengers balance with utter confidence on the boat edge, walking along like a Russian gymnast on beam, before hopping off.
Some of the bridges spanning the waterways are very low. The conductors collapse the tarpaulin roof of the boat and if you're unlucky enough to be standing and of average height, your neck is suddenly forced to duck forward at uncomfortable angles.
Round where we are, you can also walk along the canal, passing people's homes, large dogs, puddles of dubious green water, restaurants and little shops. Fascinating.