Party like its 2554: Songkran Water Festival 2011

 I have been looking forward to this week for the past year in a half, in preparation for the big move to Thailand.This is the reason I bought a waterproof camera.  April is finally upon us, and it was time to experience Songkran for what it is... 

...So What IS Songkran really about?.. 

The festival falls on April 13 and  it is the annual celebration that is held throughout the kingdom. In fact, “Songkran” is a Thai word which means “move” or “change place” as it is the day when the sun changes its position in the zodiac. It is also known as the “Water Festival” as the Thai people believe that water will wash away bad luck from the previous year and bless you with good luck for the following year. 

With that being said, this next year should be the luckiest year of my life!  In every guide book, and any website it stated, " If you do not want to get wet, then do not leave your hotel room." This statement could not be more true, and even in some cases false [Depending who your room mates are]. The festival that originally began as the cleansing of The Buddah statue, to wash away bad luck eventually evolved  into a nation wide water gun fight, also known as the best 2 days of my life. 

The festivities began at school where we were required to 

where our floral Hawaiian shirts. Classes 

were supposed to be cut short so the kids could all "cleanse the Buddah" themselves, but since we started summer school a little later than the others we needed the time to get some work accomplished.  Although the kids did get a chance to take part in the ritual at the end of school when their parents arrived. We too had plenty of time after class to partake in the festivities.  It was really special to be involved and be able to appreciate the meaning behind the event. After school we went home packed our bags and took a taxi to our old school to meet up with our friends. It was extra exciting because our friends from our TESOL class who have been living in Cambodia since January will be meeting up with our gang later! 

The teaching hat's came off and the water guns came out! Off to Khao San road [Some of you may recall that this is known as the backpackers district of  Bangkok, and where we first lived when we arrived in good ol' BKK] It really would not have mattered where we went. Everywhere you go north, south, a small village or a big city everyone participated. 


We immediately hopped in the first taxi we saw. The driver set the tone for the day by instructing us to shoot at the cop with our water guns! With very little hesitation we rolled down our windows and proceeded to soak the cop. What did he do? Shot us a Big smile, and laugh! Could you imagine doing that in the US? Yeah right!!! 

We arrived in Khao San road and expectations were blown. There were people everywhere Thai's and Farongs in all shapes and sizes. I cannot truly explain the level of excitement everywhere I looked! We didn't waste any time as we had already been shooting people the entire car ride there!  The 4 of us jumped right into the madness. [Michelle, Jason, Nick and I] Without hesitation people soaked us down.  Nothing was off limits, Waterguns, hoses, buckets of water, water bottles with holes poked in the top, those old school water bottles that they would have on classic comedy shows where they would randomly spray someone down. Haha, I even saw someone with those containers that pest control people use to spray for bugs!  If you didn't come prepared there were PLENTY of street vendors selling supplies! 

I already had a hand-held but I the water gun back pack was calling my name. Along with water, you are also pleasantly greeted with Thai's coming up to you with bowls of clay and wiping it on your face, and in some cases throwing it. It was shockingly very civilized, and as MOST would come they would either Wai to you, or say "Soowyyy" as they kindly marked ur face with clay. The other 3% would come up behind you and wipe it in your eyes.. this was the only negative thing I could possibly say about the entire day. That and the cold water.

When Monks bless things, like cars or homes.. they usually use chalk. So basically the Clay is supposed to signify that. Again, on a much larger scale! lol As you can see from this photo! At times it would get in your eyes and you would see people walk over to the side and try to rub it out. If any Thai person saw you doing this they would immediately pour water over your eyes and help you clean it off. 

The 4 of us had a freaken blast, shooting people left and right.. dancing to music, occasionally drinking beers. 

It turns out the Hawaiian shirt was THE thing to wear! Luckily we were on top of it!!!

It was a complete blast, and people of all ages were there. 

From adorable little kids like this guy: 

To the more sophisticated, like this lady. 

Everyone had 1 thing in common, a big smile and good intentions.  It was really amazing how respectful everyone was, I went to bed that night with such ease as visions through out the day of smiling faces drifted me right of to sleep.. only to wake up and do it all over again the next day !

A Thai New Year surprise for you !! 

For Nick's take on the Songkran MaDnEsS Click HERE or read the following blog!  

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Question of the Day! 

What's your take on all of this!? 

I want to hear from you! If you randomly clicked my blog, you are an avid reader or secret Facebook stalker, it would be lovely to hear some comments from people other than my family! :) [No offense]

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