CHIANG MAI Day 17

FRIDAY 19th we listened to the sound of drums and cymbals coming from Wat Kate and when curiosity got the better of me we left the poolside to investigate. Several young boys dressed in blue were beating gongs with bright orange cloth in the shape of a ball wrapped around a piece of bamboo. Standing in front of a a three wheeled carriage an older boy was really giving the large and three smaller drums a good beating with everyone enjoying the rhythm of the music. The old man, who we had met in the Museum at the beginning of our stay, was their teacher and as the boys finished playing he encouraged a toddler to clash those cymbals! Before we left I notice more decorating had taken place especially around a display of Buddhas housed in a small shrine where lanterns had been hung from the roof and pots of colourful plants placed at each side.
Stepping out of the rear entrance we wandered along several back roads trying to avoid the heavy traffic where on passing another Temple a group of young monks called to us from an upper balcony of one of the buildings. No matter which raod we took they all eventually brought us back to a busy road leading to the ‘super highway.’ Just before the highway we stopped for a light lunch in a large restaurant leading down to the river. As we were the only customers we received plenty of attention from the large number of waitresses. We had hoped to walk along the riverside but again it was not to be. However looking up river I spotted several boats in the water and suggested that as we had walked this far we should go and investigate and hope we could get under the highway rather than over it.
As we reached the road going under the highway sirens began to wail and 3 emergency vehicles plus an ambulance passed us. We stepped off the road to take a track down to the riverside where lots of activity was taking place. People were setting up stalls where the area was marked off in sections, each section having a notice fastened to the flimsy red tape. By the river a newly constructed bamboo pontoon had been duly decorated with lanterns and along the river bank, at intervals for as far as we could see, small bottles of kerosene with a large cotton wick poking out of the screw top had been fastened to small bamboo poles. A couple of stages had also been erected, one very large and ornate on which stood a table displaying many colourful trophies. Meanwhile on the river itself boat races were taking place with teams of 5 oarsmen in long narrow boats. The pink team managed to swamp their boat and as we switched off our cameras, over turn it – loose seating and paddles floating everywhere. The pancake stall by the awnings where the boat crews and their supporters sat was doing a roaring trade and I was tempted to try one but the queue was too long.
We watched teams of florists working on large displays created out of woven banana leaves and flowers, even carved fruit being added into one display. Each team was again in its own compound and with the large circular displays it was difficult to take a good photo, especially with so many people working on the designs. I noticed that even a small group of young monks in their bright orange robes were sat weaving intricate patterns using more banana leaves. Staple guns and large headed pins kept the leaves in place and when a hammer was needed I noticed an empty beer bottle came in very handy. A couple of these designs had been placed on a platform on the back of a pickup. These lantern designs were huge and at each corner of the platform a couple of young men were creating a wonderful display using Thai orchids and white chrysanthemums.
Not many people spoke English but one man came over to ask politely what where doing and told us we should come back this evening when hundreds of balloons will be released into the sky and we can also try many different kinds of food including Lanna food. As we began to make our way back to the highway a tuk tuk was parked by the river, the driver working on preparing a stall for tonight. He asked if we wanted a ride and on agreeing a price a young woman and a small boy got out of the passenger seat to let us in. Another young man drove the taxi whilst the young boy sat on his knee and the woman occupied an empty space at their side. By now the traffic was heaving and we stopped several times, each time the young boy turned on the ignition, which was a small piece of wood rather than an actually key.
Returning home just after 4 we sat by the pool talking to two young girls who are cousins. They are leaving for Bangkok before flying back to Abu Dhabi tomorrow. The older girl is a kindergarten teacher there, whilst the other girl is visiting her. It was interesting to hear that she was in her second year of her first teaching post where she teaches English, maths and science to the Arab children and loves it.
More newcomers arrived and for a short while Opas came to sit with us. He was surprised to hear what we had got up to this afternoon, especially as there is no mention on the itinerary of anything happening at Faham Bridge. Perhaps it is because it is very narrow, even though it extends quite a way, it has been decided to keep it local. If this is the case we feel honoured we have been invited back tonight.
We didn’t return but went across to the Brasserie for a spicy meal hoping it will help Keith’s cold. It was very busy with large groups of people, 12 wanting to sit together at tables designed for 4. By moving inside they were accommodated. Some people have already set their lights down the river and a group of Americans let one go from the restaurant’s platform. All night long we heard the noise of fireworks and watched so many whilst eating. The standard has improved greatly but there is no thought given as to where to set them off. I was amazed someone set off several ‘fountains’ on one of the posts on the narrow footbridge. We had an early night but a sleepless one as Keith was having trouble breathing with his cold and I was just hot!