I needed a major conversion to one of my CO2 cylinders,
then a trial test with compressed air with the new pillar valve fitted,
now we have to get the helium from that brown cylinder in to my one, for the technical the gas is 99.996% high purity diving helium, a very rare commodity,
Steve had heard of Just Burgers, so a trip along Jomtien Beach Road was in order,
drive away from Pattaya past the Boat House and look for this sign,
Just Burgers,
Steve then called round to 388 for a few beers, then it was off to town for us as it was the evening of Loy Kratong, 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, the Thai people choose this day to hold the 'Loy Kratong' festival, or the 'festival of light.' Loy Kratong is one of the two most recognized festivals in the country, some of the bars had their Kratongs on display outside them,
whilst others placed them at the front of the Marine Bar,
they must have taken so many hours to produce,
having Diana in the picture will give you an idea of how big the ones on display are,
passing the Turkish ice cream seller on the way,
we were so tempted to stop off for a seafood supper!
as we walked along towards the pier there were almost hundreds of hot air balloons lifting up to the sky,
meanwhile down on the beach people were launching their Kratongs,
we bought a more modest one at 40 baht than the ones on display,
then to the beach,
a couple of flicks of the lighter,
and we were ready to go,
make a wish or two and place your troubles on the Kratong and all will be well,
as the sea takes your troubles away and hopefully grants your wishes,
quiet a few people decided to have a party on the beach,
we had a walk along the promenade when I spotted this gentleman with his family,
he had one of the hot air balloons, which are made of bamboo and paper
once lit the air rises and the balloon takes off, strange to think that once upon a time if you did this in the UK you would be burnt at the stake for being a witch!
up, up and away,
I am not sure how high these things fly, but they really did look nice as they floated away across the sea,
we did stop for an ice cream for Diana at McDonald's, but the queue was so long we decided against it,
then who should we bump in to? none other than that nice chap Kieth and his wife with a couple of friends over from the UK,
as we walked further along the street many of the bars had their ladies in traditional costume outside,
there was also a bike display in the street raising funds for flood victims in the North of Thailand,
and very impressive some of them looked as well,
especially the Triumph and the Ducati,
the view from our next venue, the Pattaya Beer Garden,
'Cheers!', from me, we could not sit on the sea side tables as it was that crowded, but even so we had a good look at the fireworks that hotels along the bay were celebrating with,
by now Diana was peckish, so a club sandwich did the trick,
followed by a tequila,
by now it was late so we made our way home, but the beaches were still packed with people enjoying this the most romantic of days,
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