6:00 am . . .
Songkron is the Thai New Year. People come to the family home from all over.
It's also a time for new beginnings,where people honor their dead and elderly, and you make 'merit' for good luck for the new year.
The sun is barely up, and in the morning twilight the preparations begin. (I might have sat around drinking coffee and watching. Lol)
In the distance you can hear the monks chanting at the Wat (Buddhist Temple).
7:30 am . . .
The extended family of my partner on the farm begin to arrive.
Some have traveled many km to be here this morning. For some,it is the one day every year they see family. And they all want to see the crazy farang cowboy that built the farm. I don't speak much Thai, but they all want to talk!
8:30 am . . .
We head to the Wat.
9:30 am . . .
The family sits together while the monks talk about Buddha and offer blessings for the dead.
10:00 am . . .
With the blessings complete,everyone will come to my home on the farm to eat.
No, this is not the wild party and water gun wars you hear about. This is a time honored tradition that dates back possibly centuries. One that is important to all of Thailand, and you will find repeated everywhere. And part of why I love Thailand.
Now, about those parties? Stick around, I'm sure I will find one to share with you later!
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Best Regards
Richard Taylor
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The only limits you have are those you impose upon yourself. Remove the limits!"