Happy Thai's New Year--Songkran Splendors

Daddy arrives Bangkok safe and sound and just in time to celebrate the special festival--The Thai's New Year aka Songkran Festival. Unfortunately, there are some political problems on Songkran's day here in Bangkok which shut down every activity just for a day :( However, we still celebrate the traditional New Year with the family. We celebrate our this holiday from April 10 to April 17 but most of the main events take place during April 13-15.

Songkran is a Sanskrit word in Thai form which means the entry of the sun into any sign of the Zodiac. But the Songkran in this particular instance is when the sun enters the sign of Aries or the Ram. Its full name is Maha Songkran or Major Songkran to distinguish it from the other ones.". You can also find out that "This is the time for Thais to pay homage to Buddha images, clean their houses, and sprinkle water on their elders in a show of respect."

A show of respect... I think to appreciate the older and traditional aspect of Songkran we all visit a temple in the morning of April 13th and then visit Tara's great aunt in the afternoon in Chonburi (the town near Pattaya). We have lunch in Pattaya and we find Thai McDonald's for Tara too :) Then pay respect at Tara's great grandmother grave. We saw a few water splashing a long the way but not as much.

We all exhausted by the end of the day. We just rest at home for the rest of the evening and enjoy the family time. So glad that Daddy is here with us :) We miss him very much.