Loy Krathong and Hong Kong
Happy December everyone! It's a cool 65 at night and high of 90 during the day - so the only winter we are experiencing is at night and in the morning. Most of our students don't celebrate Christmas, so its been hard to get in the Christmas spirit! Besides the Christmas lights we put up in the apartment, we've had to go to Hong Kong to see our first Christmas tree! Before I get to Hong Kong, Ill back up a month to Loy Krathong. Most tourists know Loy Krathong as the lantern festival. But, a Krathong is a boat made out of banana leaves and flowers where you cast your bad thoughts and fears into the river and Yi Ping festival is where you send your "well wishes" into the sky through a lantern. When news of the King's passing came forward, the entire country, including the city council of Chiang Mai, cancelled all celebrations during 30 day period of mourning. From the time of the announcement, Loy Krathong was exactly 31 days. There were friends of friends we ...