We Were Up Early And Off To The Long Boat Races,

it looked like rain as we set out, but we need not have worried, although a bit over cast it soon became bright and sunny, first a quick walk along the stalls,

lots of foods on offer, Diana settled for an ice cold coconut drink,

just as I was about to take this picture of a orchid stall we were enveloped in a cloud of smoke from a nearby bar-b-q stall, ruined the shot but it smelled nice though!

buy the bulb and grow one of these,

then I spotted these strange looking grasses with coloured flowers,

they were about 6 or 7 inches, tall looked nice but there were no prices or name in English for what they were called,

then a climb to the top of the lake,

the back of a seemingly endless line of stalls,

the sign says it all,

by now the sun had really come out, so out with the sunshades,

we had ours,

then in the distance two competing teams get ready for the off,

soon both teams were paddling for all they were worth,

we stood at the 400 meter marker, the race being over 500 meters, at this stage the crowd and the announcer on the PA system were roaring on encouragement to the rowers,

I am not sure but I think the near side boat won,

after a few more races down the steps to make a move for lunch,

but on the way a quick look at some sweets that were on offer,

Diana, hungry as she was did not want any of them,

next stop lunch at Robins Nest on the way home,

a full selection of vegetables,

new for this week was a tray of onions, bacon and mushrooms, it was delicious, I am making myself hungry just thinking about it as I type,

'Cheers!' from me,

and a smile from Diana,

a quick game of Monopoly in the afternoon then out to town for the 'Loy Kratong' festival, or the 'festival of light.' Loy Kratong is one of the two most recognized festivals in the country it is held on the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, the tide in the rivers is highest and the moon at its brightest, creating a romantic setting ideal for lovers, Loy Kratong is probably the most picturesque and beautiful of all Thai celebrations, 'Loy' literally means 'to float,' while 'kratong' refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water, the Loy Kratong ritual is a simple one, one needs only to light the candles and the joss sticks, make one's wishes and let it float away with the current of a river or a canal, the ones above can be bought form 50 to 200 baht each, remember to bring a lighter to lite the candle and joss sticks in them!

there is a huge variety to choose from,

and of course many of the ladies dress up in traditional costumes,

this kratong made by The Moonlight, many of the hotels and bars enter a competition to see who can make the best kratong,

looking into the Marine Bar,

some of the tailors shops put on a fashion display,

Walking Street was packed,

we were making our way to Bali Hai pier, this kratong made by one of the seafood restaurants along the way,

past this really strange looking bar,

towards the end of Walking Street one of the hotels had several of their staff in costume,

past the three wheelers that take you to the end of the pier for the boat to the floating restaurants,

amazing what you can do with a motorbike and a welder!

then all the fun of the fair! hit the yellow disc with a ball and the lady is dunked in the water, try as he might one fellow just could not get his wife to sit on the chair!

then time to buy a kratong, this one 80 baht,

light the candles and incense,

wade into the water,

and luanch it out to sea,

a bit difficult to see but there were hundreds of people on the beach,

I was holding Diana's shoes, after she put them on we walked towards the grassy area at the pier's entrance she suddenly realised I was still holding her handbag, so out with the camera,

we sat at the resturaunt by the side of the main building,

Diana orderd me tall drink!

'Cheers!'

I must take beer pouring lessons!

so Diana helped me, we also had a few peanuts and prawn crackers to while away the evening,

we just watched all of reverllers making their way to the waters edge to launch their kratongs,

the view from the raised area where we were sitting looking towards the pier,

we were then jioned by a couple of guys with their girlfriends celeibrating Loy Kratong,

'Cheers!' from all of us,

by now it was getting late, so we made our way home whilst they made their way to the waters edge,

the entrance to Walking Street,

then to my amazement we went past a group of musicians playing Hammered Dulcimers, I have mentioned these instuments before and Dizzi who plays them,

if you have never heard one before have a listen here, enchanting,

of course on the way back we saw hundreds of katongs far cheaper than we had paid, but then that always happens after I have bought something! then home to bed.