Same Same but Different
Just a few notes on some cultural events and society in general.
While in Pai and Chiang Mai, I have participated in the annual Loi Krathong Festival. It consists of creating your own Krathong, essentially a float built our of banana trees decorated with flowers and insets. Within the float you include anything you desire: money, nail clippings, hair, etc... When releasing the Krathong into the river you make a wish and as an added bonus all your sins get erased (yes! we went out to party afterwards as our sin account was empty and it felt rather awkward living without any sins). The whole ceremony corresponds to a full moon, as well as other events in Thailand, especially full moon parties on the islands in the South.
For the last two days we have been feasting at a food festival in Chiang Mai. The variety of food and especially seafood has been outstanding. Although, Thai entertainment can get a bit annoying. Eating shellfish, mussels, octopus, shrimp, squid and anything else that floats was quite an experience.
Today is the King's birthday, 77 years old. He is quite an influential figure in Thailand as well as a well respected figure within the society. Nobody will speak in negative fashion about his Majesty, unlike the prime minister Thaksin who appears too be quite corrupt and about 50% of the country does not agree with him policies of running the country as a business. Well considering he owns major corporations within the state and organizes his policies too accommodate such enterprises makes a few people upset. But no worries, if opposition arises, a good old bribe will make new friends for Mr. Thaksin. Elections are coming in January and everybody knows what the outcome will be. Did I mention he also own major newspaper chains in Thailand, hmm, I wonder how this happened. Anyways back to the king, there are big celebrations all over the country today for King B-day. Another interesting thing, the king’s dog biography sold 500,000 copies and was translated to an English language comic book about the life behind the dog and behavior. Go figure. Actually so many weird things go on here, that after a while you just say 'Oh whatever, it's just another day in Thailand'. I've heard that India is supposed to be 'even more far out man'.
Ok, ta-ta for now and be good all of you kids out there. I know I'm trying to be good - yeah right.
Cheers.
p.s. I finished cycling the final 25km to Chiang Mai. It took three weeks of rest but by God I HAVE DONE IT! Cambodia is next on the menu, I can not wait to eat dust for three weeks, bribe the Cambodian police, eat some tasty dogs and cycle along highways littered with land mines, oh the joys of life.
While in Pai and Chiang Mai, I have participated in the annual Loi Krathong Festival. It consists of creating your own Krathong, essentially a float built our of banana trees decorated with flowers and insets. Within the float you include anything you desire: money, nail clippings, hair, etc... When releasing the Krathong into the river you make a wish and as an added bonus all your sins get erased (yes! we went out to party afterwards as our sin account was empty and it felt rather awkward living without any sins). The whole ceremony corresponds to a full moon, as well as other events in Thailand, especially full moon parties on the islands in the South.
For the last two days we have been feasting at a food festival in Chiang Mai. The variety of food and especially seafood has been outstanding. Although, Thai entertainment can get a bit annoying. Eating shellfish, mussels, octopus, shrimp, squid and anything else that floats was quite an experience.
Today is the King's birthday, 77 years old. He is quite an influential figure in Thailand as well as a well respected figure within the society. Nobody will speak in negative fashion about his Majesty, unlike the prime minister Thaksin who appears too be quite corrupt and about 50% of the country does not agree with him policies of running the country as a business. Well considering he owns major corporations within the state and organizes his policies too accommodate such enterprises makes a few people upset. But no worries, if opposition arises, a good old bribe will make new friends for Mr. Thaksin. Elections are coming in January and everybody knows what the outcome will be. Did I mention he also own major newspaper chains in Thailand, hmm, I wonder how this happened. Anyways back to the king, there are big celebrations all over the country today for King B-day. Another interesting thing, the king’s dog biography sold 500,000 copies and was translated to an English language comic book about the life behind the dog and behavior. Go figure. Actually so many weird things go on here, that after a while you just say 'Oh whatever, it's just another day in Thailand'. I've heard that India is supposed to be 'even more far out man'.
Ok, ta-ta for now and be good all of you kids out there. I know I'm trying to be good - yeah right.
Cheers.
p.s. I finished cycling the final 25km to Chiang Mai. It took three weeks of rest but by God I HAVE DONE IT! Cambodia is next on the menu, I can not wait to eat dust for three weeks, bribe the Cambodian police, eat some tasty dogs and cycle along highways littered with land mines, oh the joys of life.
posted by Rob at 10:19 PM
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