Hi,
The skies over Chiang Rai have been sunny, cloudy, and everything in between. We finally got an overdue gift from it all.
The 'Old School Friday' song was "Daddy's Home" by Shep & The Limelights. It was the answer song to "A Thousand Miles Away" by The Heartbeats. Both groups were made up of the same personnel. 'Easy Monday' is next: "L.A. is a great big freeway, put a hundred down and buy a car. In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star. Weeks turn into years. How quick they pass, and all the stars that never were are parking cars and pumping gas. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __?" Hint: This tune is asking for directions to a location in California.
All around Chiang Rai there are signs of the upcoming holiday. Decorative lanterns hang in front of shops, temporary fireworks booths are popping up, and posters announcing 'Float Fest' are being tied to trees and posts. Loi Krathong is celebrated on the full moon of the 12th month and originated from the ritual of paying respects to the river spirits. The Krathong is a small float made from banana stalks and leaves which are decorated with flowers, incense and a candle. A wish is made as the Krathong is placed in the river. In modern times the base is sometimes made from bread. The use of styrofoam is being discouraged since it takes years to decompose. The festival has grown into a time of gathering for families, villages and communities. More on the rituals tomorrow. The park area across the river from us is a massive party that began tonight and will last all week.
Today's photo was taken at Wat Jet Yod, in the downtown area. This highly decorated carriage will be part of the temples celebration of Loi Krathong.
Speaking of holidays, this year we saw lots of Halloween costumes around town. We saw clerks at a few stores with witch hats, decorations, and a costume parade of pre-schoolers at a local private school. Thailand likes holidays regardless of origin. Makro has Christmas decorations on sale already.
While rain has been lurking for several days, we had all but given up hope for a good soaking. Last night (Sunday), around 4am, the sky opened up and we had a major storm. Cat may have been the only one in the house that didn't hear it. This morning the yard was a lake and the puddle down the road was huge. While having coffee this morning with our friends Katai and Thowan at Work@Home, Katai mentioned the folklore story of rain always coming just before Loi Krathong, so the rivers would be full for the celebration.
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"The stronger you become
the gentler you will be."
~Unknown
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
No comments:
Post a Comment