My hike from the edge of Chiang Mai Zoo led me to this view of the city.

A strangler fig appears, wrapping itself around these trees.Remember the stranglers in the Pantanal?

The very first candles of Loy Krathorn were lit on the ancient walls of Tha Pae Gate, Chiang Mai

My local temple--"wat"--was decorated. I pose with one of the novice monks.

Some of the "krathorns," baskets, which are lovingly floated down the Ping River

Hundreds of lanterns are floated into the sky

A couple from Bangkok, now living in Hawaii, came to Chiang Mai. They prepare to float their lantern

As I walk home, the lanterns float toward the full moon

A Hike and a Festival!

November 24, 2018 in Thailand ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

Of course I have been nearly totally buried in my Thai language studies, but I did take some time out for a lovely walk/hike at the base of the mountains west of Chiang Mai on November 24th. The trail started just north of the Chiang Mai Zoo, and followed a playful stream for a mile or two. It felt so wonderful to be out of the city, tramping along in the forest. The tropical mountain vegetation was full of surprises, such as a totally iridescent cup of a spider web, and beautiful striated fungi. And the air! Fresh and sweet and earthy.

The day before was the start of the Loy Krathorn Festival. This is a nationwide festival, in which Chiang Mai excels so much that people from all over Thailand and the world come here to witness it. There are lovely lanterns sent into the night air of the full moon, and exquisite floating “baskets” sent down the rivers, full of worship of the River Gods, and heartfelt wishes of the senders. Please click on this link for much fuller information:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loi_Krathong

And enjoy MY photos!Read more