"From the very start they acted like savage chain-gang wardens and were liable to turn at a moment's notice into sadistic executioners." This is how Boulle's book describes the attitude of the Japanese officers.

The Bridge, built by the Japanese to transport war supplies between Burma and Thailand, cost the lives of thousands of prisoners forced to work on the bridge . The Japanese also had their sights set on the British Empire in India.

The first wooden bridge over the Khwae Yai was finished in February 1943, followed by a concrete and steel bridge in June 1943.

The British, Royal Air Force successfully bombed the bridge on February 13, 1945. POW's were forced to repair the wooden trestle bridge and it was back in operation by April. By April 3, the U.S. Army Air Forces damaged the wooden bridge again. Repair work continued and both bridges were back in operation by the end of May.

A second raid by the Royal Air Force on June 24th put the railway out of operation for good.

Three trains regularly use the bridge today. Visitors can walk across the bridge, and if a train passes there are little platforms to step aside on.

Pierre Boulle brought fame to the bridge in his book, "The Bridge on the River Kwai", and later by the film by the same name . There are many, though, that claim the movie is very unrealistic and does not show the true horrible conditions and torture treatment the prisoners had to endure.

Many people cannot understand how the Japanese could have treated their prisoners so badly and many survivors of the Death Railway can still not forgive their Japanese captors to this day.

Approximately one in five prisoners died during the construction of the railway.

In the first week of December every year there is a sound and light show at the bridge in honor of the Allied bombing of the Death Railway in 1945.

Today, as I walked the Bridge I noticed an old woman walking back and forth across the bridge, mumbling to herself. I wonder if she has a personal connection to the bridge by way of some family members?

I walk on the bridge from one end across the River Kwai to the other bank . The views are peaceful and photo worthy. I try to imagine what this area was like in the mid 1940's during World War II. The misery imposed on allied prisoners is unimaginable in my mind. War is unimaginable. History is a grim reminder of how inhumane humans and governments can be.

I watched the movie, "The Bridge On The River Kwai" years ago, but never imagined someday I would actually walk on it. My experience is exhilarating, although somber as I think of the history I am witnessing here. What an experience this all is for me.

Later, sitting on the dock at my hostel, I met France' and Jorge. They are from Holland. As I do with all travelers I meet that are willing, I talk with them about Holland and mention how I have always wanted to travel there. We enjoyed the evening talking and eating on the River Kwai.

More memories today that only I will every really appreciate, because my words cannot describe what I am experiencing, both visually and emotionally, in this land.