Boat races

I got to watch the boat races from a platform and area exclusively for foreign visitors (somehow they knew I'm foreign without seeing any ID). The segregation felt a little weird but it meant I could escape the strong sun (not that it helped with the intense humidity) and got to watch from the river bank without being crowded. They even gave out free bottled water. Maybe that's where the $30 visa fee goes!

Every few minutes another two boats compete against each other and finish in front of us. They then turn around and pass us close by, sometimes in celebration. Some of the boats are massive, holding over 70 rowers. One boat sank before the finishing line and the rowers were frantically bailing water while rescue boats arrived. Apparently 8 boats sank yesterday.