At least these days we are getting better pre-event notifications. Unfortunately these notifications are not directed at foreign tourism. I suspect it may happen eventually that these schedules are translated
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The Tha Rae starlight parade is the one not to miss. After all the Star light parades originated there
Boat trip? Nah. I prefer private boat trips, instead of sitting in bus fashion. I used to enjoy boat trips where food and drinks were served. These days NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED.
Didn't make it to the starting gate (parade starts at the temple) because I had stopped off at a clinic for a blood test. Had to wait for the doctor to be called, after all it was a national holiday. I was flabbergasted when the doctor apologized for the waiting time. He made a special trip on his day off.
The parade was fun and entertaining. Over the years this events seem to have shrunk, some previous activities deleted. And even the big poles shrunk.
Some major activities planned for today at the temple, instead I'll be visiting two birthday parties this evening
First line of defense of course is warmer clothing and warmer bedding.
Clothing wise dress in layers. When it gets too warm you can take a layer off. Small electric heaters are handy for small to medium sized rooms. A built in thermostat is advisable.
BBQ's generally reserved for preparation of meals now also are used to keep warm. Use only in well ventilated areas.
I tend to do more baking this time of the year and hang out around the gas oven.
Recovering from an injury, had to decline a number of offers to go to Tha Rae. Hoping that I will have recovered enough to see the football game tomorrow evening
The first year I saw the starlight parade I noticed none of the parade participants were passing out candy.The following year, the year MACRO opened here in town, I bought five large bags of candy. We timed it at an intersection, merged our vehicle into the parade, and began throwing candy. Unfortunately, Santa's helpers were a bit too eager throwing candy at onlookers. Within three blocks, Santa's candy bag was empty. The next year I bought a sh.t load of candy and we parked near the parade starting point. As the parade was about to get underway, a Sakon Nakhon man in brown (policeman) immediately nixed our plan to merge into the parade.Of all things, the officer confiscated all candy and escorted us to his police truck. There we were introduced to his nieces and nephews. With emergency lights flashing, we were now in the lead vehicle of the parade. A dozen hands throwing candy at onlookers.A few of my Thai friends were a bit surprised to see me standing in the lead vehicle
The public relations campaign for the upcoming holidays 21 Dec to 10 Jan. Three weeks, hence the title 777. Drunk driving is most likely the most serious cause of holiday road carnage. After that it's speeding.
Enforcement of traffic rules, or the lack of it probably ranks high on this list. Times are changing, slowly.
First warning I received during my first year in Sakon Nakhon was as I entered a restaurant and the owner informed me the police had told him that I should slow down. Fourteen years ago there weren't that many cars on the road.
The increase of cars came quite suddenly when the government offered 'discounts' for first time buyers. Now thousands of previous motorcycle drivers became car drivers overnight with little or no training.
The parade gets underway quite early in the morning. Once the parade hits the main road part of the parade may head in different directions. The dragons and lions enter CHinese Businesses and wish them a prosperous year ahead.
Watch out for fireworks
How elaborate the celebration will be this year, is yet to be seen. I've only seen the dragon fight high in the sky twice in the years I have been here
I've always enjoyed visiting the temple days before and watch them practice their routines
The parade is December 11, with nightly activities an the temple. Make sure you check out all the artifacts on display
