loi krathong

Yesterday was Loi Krathong in Thailand, a festival where people make small boats from banana leaves and flowers, light candles and incense, put in fingernails and hair, some money and float it into the sea. (Or, here in Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River, the dirtiest water in the world.)

It is supposed to be very good luck if you do this with someone you love, so Rin spent the part two days making our krathong and last night we went to Rama 8 Bridge down by my school and set it out to sea. Both of us a little teary eyed, as we had talked about everything that has changed with us the past year, and we "wai-ed" by the water and pushed it out. (Just before the little kids sitting under the surface of the water would scramble for them to get all the money out..)

It wa sa beautuiful and peaceful night, despite all the people. I remember last year lighting my krathong with R on her beach in Phuket with gasoline because they flames just wouldn't stay lit. It seems like years ago.

Peace to all, and R, you aren't too late, you can make one in Canada with maple leaves and twigs, set it into the ocean.

"November full moon shine

Loy Krathong Loy Krathong

And the water high

In the gold river and the Klong

Loy Loy Krathong

Loy Loy Krathong

Loy Krathong is here

And everybody full of cheer

We're together at the Klong

Each one with his Krathong

As we push away we pray,

We can see a better day"