In Thailand, I became a little obsessed with visiting the Bridge over the River Kwai. I spent days learning about the history surrounding the Death Train and the POW labor that built it.

I highly recommend you visit on your next trip to Thailand. Here’s why:

Ever hear of a flotel? It’s a raft hotel that floats on a river.

It was cool, but I admit, you do have to contend with the fear of fire, water-borne diseases and swimming in the midst of elephant poop.

Get critical info on flotels:

You’ll remember that at the end of 2011, we voted to name our sponsored whale shark “Kubwa Ya Moyo” — Swahili for “Big Heart.”

Here’s an update on our whale of a girl from our friends in Tofo, Mozambique!