Adventures Around the World: Last days in Bangkok

We stopped by Bangkok for about a week before we headed back home to California. While we were there we met up with A (aka Karita) who we met while volunteering in Chiang Rai. She made us feel very welcome in the big city of Bangkok. One night she invited us to her work's Halloween party. She teaches at an English language school for college-level and above students. They put on a Halloween celebration similar to what you'd find in the states.

There was free make up to make it look like you had been brutally slashed and burned. They also entertained students with a mummy race and ... a Thai superstar band! They performed a few songs and then stood by as fans rushed up to take pictures with them. It was fun to see Thai people exposed to the wonders of an American Halloween party.

A(Karita) and me in our Halloween makeup

Hanging with Thai popstars

A few days later was a very special event in Thailand: the Loi Kratong festival! On the full moon in early November Thais flock to riversides and lakes to float kratong, which are small baskets that hold candles and incense. You make a wish before putting it in the water and then lower it in for the currents to take it away. Kratongs are usually made of banana leaves, but can also be made from bread for a more environmentally friendly snack for the fishes. The skies were also dotted with floating orange lanterns. I think they used the heat of the flame to make themselves rise up in the air. It was a very busy time around the waterfront but it was great to see a local festival in action.