Quote:
Originally Posted by kindlekitten
Really? You actually participate?
I'm getting ready to go do garden things
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Are you kidding? EVERYONE participates! It's actually a religious festival! I do more 'getting' than 'giving,' which is why I use a small pistol rather than a
'super-soaker' that the majority carry, or some
back-pack reservoir model, as I'm busy taking pictures, but I'm out there right in the middle of the biggest crowds, under the massive water cannons. It's 100°f outside, and there is no more enjoyable way to stay cool than a water fight with hundreds of thousands of other laughing, smiling people. Did you take a look at some of the
YouTube videos? This video isn't mine... that's still under contruction, but it gives you a good idea. Add in hundreds of street-side food venors, and lots of drunks in the red-light areas, and you get the picture. Everyone is dressed for getting wet. No one ventures out who doesn't want to get wet. The party only runs between about 12-7 so if you need to go out for chores and don't want to play, there is plenty of time before or after.
There are only two down-sides to the holiday; there are many bandstands set up, unfortunately right next to each other and they all blast out their music at 140db. Secondly, many people add ice to their water buckets, and when you get a shot of ice water in the back, you know it...
Other than that, it's just thousands of very happy people, all having an outdoor party together, staying cool in the hottest part of the year here. Keep in mind that this is going on (but in a more modified version) ALL OVER THAILAND. Chiang Mai does it up special!
Stitchawl