Christian Nomads

There was no post last Monday because we were celebrating Songkran – the Thai New Year! When we first heard this, we didn’t think anything of it. People laughed and said, “prepare to get wet.” We were confused until we Google image searched Songkran.

The Thai New Year’s day is celebrated from April 13-15 every year, which coincides with the Buddhist/Hindu solar calendar. It’s near the end of the dry season, right before rainy season begins, so it’s a great way to cool off. Traditionally, pouring water over people (gently, I’m sure) is meant as a symbol of washing away sins and bad luck, but over the years it’s turned into a nationwide water fight. Yep, water fight. Water guns, backpacks full of water, and giant buckets full to the brim. Some people take it to the next level and use paint and chalk. Historically, chalk was used by monks to mark blessings. Other people are cruel and add ice to their water. ICE WATER HURTS, PEOPLE. >:(

In Chiang Mai in the North, Songkran is a five day festival. Here on Phuket, it’s two days in the Patong area (probably for all the farangs), and one day in Phuket Town. To be honest, our senses were overloaded, so one day as a newbie was enough!

The whole holiday was spent driving around all day splashing people from our two giant buckets of water. Everyone was into it… smiling, laughing, and playing along. Old, young, and families. It was a beautiful way to celebrate!

Here’s our day in pictures. Sorry some are low res, I’m just waiting on the high res ones. AH’s GoPro really made the memories come alive. The day wouldn’t have been the same without the Speights and their vehicle! 

A few “before” pictures, when we were still dry:

And so it begins…

After six hours on the back of the truck, we tapped out. Burnt, cold and wet, we decided to watch a little more from the truck.

What an AMAZING holiday. I wish North America would adopt something like this!