Songkran

So, I've had the past two weeks off of work. A blessing really. It was either going to be me or one of the children who wouldn't make it out safely. But all is well; I'm alive and so are all the kids - last time I checked anyway.

Anyway, the reason for the two week holiday was for Songkran; aka. Thai new year; aka The water festival. Emphasis on the water festival. We left our hotel in lovely Koh Lanta and had a ride in the back of a truck to the pier to head off to our next island destination. We were primped and pretty, ready to enjoy a lovely boat ride. Little did we know what was coming our way. Yes - we were armed. With ultimate super soaker water pistols..... but our defence was nothing compared to army that faced us. Buckets upon buckets of water were poured over our heads... by complete strangers saying, "Happy New Year, Happy Songkran." Absolutely insane. Then there are the people waiting to through powder on your wet clothing which is meant to be a sign of good luck. And some of the powder was red... we were a real mess. Drenched... passports, phones, and ipods included.

Upon arrival in Koh Phi Phi, we were met with much the same madness. However here, I think they were waiting for white people.... and pure ice water was thrown in our path. We finally made it to our room, where we had to completely unpack our bags and hang everything we owned out to dry.

We went out that night... armed and dangerous. Songran shirts, water pistols, and aviator sunglasses to complete the look. Nobody was getting in our way.

More on our fabulous vacation to come...