Mayhem on Songkran

I felt good today. I had energy. I decided to go to the zoo. It would be a three-mile bike ride there, plus lots of walking around.

I stopped at the Muay Thai camp on the way there. I spoke with Musabah–the owner. I told her that I paid for the week. But I only came on Monday because I was sick. I asked if I could return next week or the week after at no extra cost. It seemed like she understood me and said yes. We’ll see what happens.

I had two notable experiences at the zoo. Giraffes are huge! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a taller living animal. And a peacock blocked my entire walkway with it’s feathers fanned out–impressive!

I rode back into town. There was a lot of traffic. I wasn’t sure what the big deal was at first. Then I realized it–Songkran, the Thai New Year had begun.

People were everywhere firing water at each other. On the sidewalks, in pickup trucks, in motorcycles. I got hit multiple times.

The pickup trucks were the worst. They would have about five people inside with a huge barrel of water. Since I was the slowest one on the road, many pickup trucks past me.

It was time for payback. I stopped at a vendor on the side of the road. I’m not going to mess around with super-soakers. Give me the pale! I want to wreck some people

I hurried back to my room, getting hit several more times. I changed into my swimming shorts, filled my pale, and headed for the main street. On the way, some little kids shot me with their guns, and I doused them with water. We all had a good laugh.

It was playful mayhem. People were everywhere–standing on the sidewalk, walking in the street, riding on motorcycles, bicycles, pickup trucks, tuk-tuks. Water came from every direction with varying forces, temperature, and volume. People of all ages participated. And everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I didn’t see anyone get angry or belligerent. I was out there for about two hours and enjoyed every moment.