Chiangmai again Oct 31st-Nov3rd,09

On October 31st-November 3rd, 2009, we went to Chiangmai again. This time, we followed up my son's business and fortunately, we were in the atmosphere of Loi Kratong [wish boat floating] Festival on the full moon of twelfth month of Thai Calendar or the 2nd of November. Chiangmai owned the reputation of this beautiful and happy festival as well as Songkran[water festival, April 13th] The weather at that time was nice and people looked happy to welcome the cool and dry season which have just come after the heavy rain in the passed 6 months.



We intended to leave home about 5.00am but we took time to load lots of thing and left about 6.30. we spent time in the car looking at the scenery and talking together


Finding that the view on the way was beautiful if we had time to admire it. We passed through various trees, crops and hills. From Nakornsawan, we decided to take the different ways avoiding the old bad roads. We then headed for Pitsnuloke, Uttradit, Prae, and Lampang. This way, some parts of the road were narrower, we had to drive slower and there were road repairing in some areas. The road was not different from the one we left.


Finally, we arrived in Chiangmai around 4.00pm and had curried noodle for lunch at Fa Haam. The car was parked on the road side in front of the restuarant and one of us had to watch the stuff loading on the truck.



In the first evening, we went to have dinner with Samai's family. Samai and I have been close since we were young and worked together in Chachoengsao for almost 10 years. I lived with his family at that time and are continuingly close until now. Everytime we go to Chiangmai, Samai and his family must be our host for most programme.

On the second day we went to have dinner at the Grilled Fishes Restuarant on the outer ring road. The food and atmosphere were good. The price were reasonable. Samai recommended this restuarant to us.


We ate under the full moon. The night was Loi kratong eve. The moon was light and made the night bright.


Hi, there. This was the full moon day. Look at the moon in this picture, big and bright. How happy we were, so do other Thai people on the Loi kratong day.


This was where we lived. The house was not ready yet but we intended to save the accomodation expense. So, we decided to live like the locals and we felt being a part in this event.


It's me. A 64 years old man. Time has gone fast. Not long ago, I was still a young and active guy.


Look at me. I looked older than people at the same age because of being stress and having too much fun when I was young.


Samai ahd his sister, Noi, and Pee Bee, my sister at where we were staying.


Samai was 3-4 years older than me but he looked younger. This was my fun loving colleague when we were young together. This picture was taken at the same place.


In Chiangmai and also other localities in Thailand, People lit Prateep[candles] and put them around the house in Loi kratong. They believed that prateeb could bring them happiness and pushed all bad spirits away.


When we drove through the houses, we saw this beautiful tradition all along the way. Prateeb burning were done by the neighbours in front of our house too.


Kom Loi[Fire Balloon] was lit. The fire heated the air under the paper bags and made it floating up to the sky. It was beautiful while we looked at Kom Loi scattered floating on the sky.


They were lighting Kom Loi, waited a few minutes until the air under was heated. When it floated, it ran fast. Our first Kom Loi was struck by the electric wire and trees. We were afraid of burning but the wind helped it to fly further away. Thanks, it saved.


Efficient way to heat the air under the paper bag, put it on the ground and the air volume under the bag was limited and didnot allow outside air moving in.


We went to Mae Ping River near our place to float kratong into the river. Every villagers did the same. On the river, as any river lake or pond in Thailand, were full of kratong. People came, mostly young, made some wishes while they were floating kratong and these, everyone enjoyed the event of gathering.


Kratong was a small banana leaf bowl decorated with flowers, joss sticks and candle. When they were floated in the river, the twinkle light from the candle, joss stick and colourful flowers made the night charming. People were crowded. It was time, cool season started. Weather was nice with the light of full moon.


Samai's family whom I met and stayed with them for almost 10 yeears in Chachoengsao about 30 years ago. It is good this year I came to join with them in Loikratong day.


I was with Nong Tam and Nong Tom 2 nieces since they were around 5 and 6 years old. Now, time passed by rapidly. They are quite mature.


Then, next day, at dawn, the weather became cooler, we went to the 700 years sport stadium for exercise. Overthere, there were many people came out for exercise every day.


Bobby, my grand nephew, accompanied me for brisk walk. We walk there for almost an hour and got back.


Walk and walk. A man has to do thing daily. Everytime I travel out of town, even aboard, I will go out exercise in the morning. Eventually, I still have many problems on health. It is a lesson not to do bad thing in life. It may reflex back to us afterward. I believe that many bad things happening to me so far have been the reflection of mistakes I have done in the past.




Bobby and his dad. He took after his father. This picture was taken in Prachinburi where his father lived and worked.



Bobby and the funny bear mascot at the home store in Chiangmai. We went there to see the modern furniture and equipment for house.


We went to Chiangmai Zoo for Bobby to look at Panda Baby. Only Bobby went in and has seen the baby. He got a lot of joy. Others were lazy and waited for him in front of the building.

t
Tid, my wife. When she smiled, everything looked bright for me.

We then came back home. Leaving Chiangmai after having breakfast at Samai's home, we left about 9.30am and arrived Bangkok around 6.00pm. We decided to have dinner at the restuarant in front of our home lane and then we needed not to cook and washed. After coming back, we were busy with cleaning clothes, car, and calculated the expense we have to save further in this month. However, it was an other happy experience to travel again. I really like travelling. Chavalvut.