5th of December - Father's Day in Bangkok



Yesterday was the King of Thailand's birthday. There is this tradition where the thais light a candle each at 7 pm on the 5th to wish the King long life, good health, and continue to be out light in the darkness. Yesterday was the first day that I get a chance to actually travel to a place where people gather in order to carry out this tradition together as one. Man, I can tell you, it was not easy getting there. The traffic was horrible so we decided to ditch the car at my sister's boyfriend's house and grab a taxi. Along the way the taxi kept on complaining and tried to get us off and make us continue on foot (and the traffic wasn't that bad then either!). Anyway, we did continue on foot but we get a chance to walk along the most beautiful road in Bangkok. The trees by both sides of the road were decorated with lots and lots of fairy lights and the palace wall was also decorated with fairy lights and the view was just spectacular.

After much difficulties finding our way through the crowd we made a stop by the side of the road since we heard that the king and other royalties are passing this way. So we stand there and wait along with other Thais and foreigners. We were all wearing yellow shirt (which were made especially for 2006 in celebration of His Majesty's 60th year on the throne) and so yellow dominated the scene last night. After a while we started to see police cars and motorcycle and finally the royal cars.. the king actually rolled down the window and waved at the people! This is my first time in my life to see the king.. wow.. I couldn't describe the feeling..






At 7.29 pm.. we all lit our candles and sing songs to celebrate the King. We were all out of tuned but we didn't care because we were busy trying to avoid the melting wax from falling on our hands and feet and avoid burning other people hair. After that there was firework. Wow.. I really regret not having my camera there! (mom and dad took it on their trip to Chiang Mai) It was amazing and so close!!! it was like watching it in IMAX theater.