Travelogues by Bill Pfeil
Loy Kratong
November, '05
Probably my second or third most favorite thing to hear is "ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing at Bangkok International Airport in 10 minutes." It is quite an ordeal traveling to the other side of the world. But contrasted with clipper ships via high seas centuries ago, not so bad. And internet offers instant communication with business at home.
What a gift that fascinations like Thailand still exist. World politics may change, so think I'll grab these opportunities for high adventure while the door is still open. Maybe once a trip I take an evening nap then head out to one of Bangkok's discos that really doesn't 'start' until midnight. I dance crapily but in the middle of a packed dancefloor, who cares. Close my eyes and enjoy. All kinds there, from beautiful to not-so. For example, a deathbed-looking fart standing motionless on crutches unnoticed by anyone (except maybe by me) learing at the undulating cuties. So my presence there seems OK.
Buddhists have a colorful, sensuous holiday for couples called 'Loy Kratong' celebrated mid-November. Typically the lady makes a beautiful boat of flowers and foliage, weaves in some theme, of simple to elaborate design. Some I saw for sale are architectural wonders. This year Mee and I had a dragon. Then at dusk we jointly carry our boat (kratong) to the local lake or river or park pond. We were in seaside Pattaya (eastern Gulf of Thailand, 2 quick hours by bus from Bangkok) which included fireworks too. We light candles and incense onto the kratong, each add a clipping of hair, a few baht (~40 baht=$1), make a wish, and set it sail. Quite sightful are 1000's of glowing kratong bobbing away, watched by their couple hopeful of a happy and prosperous future together.
Tomorrow we go to 'our' coconut farm 6 hours down the western Gulf of Thailand. Waiting is my motorcycle, warm Gulf water and wide beaches, those great restaurants on the sand, and oh no, Mee's good-for-nothing uncles.
Bill's Farm, Box 317, Kaunakakai, Hawaii 96748
Phone: 808-567-6734
Email: BillPfeil@yahoo.com
|