Sanuk Canadian

Information related to the Thai New Year celebrations (called "Songkran") continues... On Friday, April 13, I headed over to Silom Road to observe & play in the famous Songkran water fights. From 2pm, Silom Road was designated a "splash zone" -- the road was closed to all vehicles and people could enjoy splashing each other with water. I got there quite early, around noon, and observed the many vendors getting ready for the festival. The street was lined with people selling clay (which you mix with water) and small buckets. Clay vendors: There were also a lot of vendors selling water guns, drinks and light snacks... More vendors: Tourists travel to Thailand from all over the world to participate in the Songkran festival. In the photo below, you can see some farang (Thai for "foreigners") armed with their water guns...  From this point on, I got closer to the action, and had to put my camera in a ziplock bag to protect it from th...

A presentation regarding the cultural aspects of the Songkran (New Year) festival in Thailand continues.... In the lobby of the building housing the school, sat an image of Buddha adorned with flowers. This was where we (as students of the school) and others who own shops in the building could pay their respects and offer holy water for Songkran celebrations. The Buddha: A teacher demonstrates pouring the water: It's important to note: one should never pour water over the head of Buddha. The proper etiquette is over Buddha's shoulder, or His hands. Students took turns pouring water and offering a wish/ prayer for the New Year. A fellow student took my photo while I prayed for "money!!"...because I recently seem to be spending more than saving... (laugh) Cutenekko prays..in Thai! (My wish in Thai: chan yaak ja gep nung  = I want to keep/get money) Cutenekko pouring the water  (sorry you can't see... The teachers were smiling because...

My Thai language school offered a special "Activity Day" for 2 hours last week. The topic was the biggest holiday in Thailand -- Songkran -- which is also known as Thailand's New Year. During this holiday, which typically occurs in mid April and lasts for 4 ~ 5 days, Thais pray at temples, show appreciation to elders and have big water fights in the streets. It's a time of much happiness and enjoyment -- the water is especially appreciated since April is one of the hottest months in the Kingdom! I will share photos from the school's presentation and explain a little more about this holiday. ^_^ The first part of the lesson was to describe how Thais make merit at the temple. In the morning, on the first day of Songkran, Thais go to their local temple, and offer food to the monks working there. There is a special way to present the food, pray, even sit in front of monks. (see photos) My teachers: (the one is the middle only "dressed" as a monk d...

Photos from the car show continue.... Today, I'll show you all the fancy-shamcy, high-so, super pricey cars. Please don't drool on your computer screen. ^_^ Here we go.... For my blog fan, Takaoさん. You like short shorts too, right? (laugh) Japanese car company, Mitsuoka's fab display: This car was amazingly expensive (from Mitsuoka): Simply beautiful lines. See the price? That equals 27,000,000 yen / $270,000 !! Click the photo to read the car's specs. ^_^ Rolls Royce..I think this is a Phantom. Loving those suicide doors -- very classy! Note the glass fence in front? We were not allowed anywhere NEAR this car. Toyota G6. I really LOVED this car. Sexy red + tinted windows = very NICE!...and it's a Toyota?!?! No one thinks "Sexy" and "Toyota" in the same sentence, right?? ^o^ I saw so many guys drooling over this car...haha. BWM Z4. Took these pics for a friend and my dad, who both love this car. Convertibl...

Photos continue from this automobile show.... Looking at cars is nice, but my true love are bikes! I spent a long time in the motorcycle area...hunting around for the coolest vehicles on two wheels. Here are some pics for my readers to enjoy... Honda CBR:   Off road Honda: Something for a regular reader...Takaoさん, enjoy that miniskirt! ^_^ Something for another friend -- a Samurai (at the Suzuki booth): Cool Honda...with a trunk! (was deep enough to store one helmet) The Kawasaki booth was very busy. I learned that Thai people LOVE Ninjas! These big bikes were on display and were quite popular with the local crowd.... Black Ninja: Green: One more Kawasaki: Yamaha had a racing bike on display, with a special message for Japan: And a classic, naked style, YA-1! (the very first Yamaha produced bike) ^_^ Yamaha also had some concept bikes on display...both with motors and without. It was really cool to see the (po...

Last week, I visited the Bangkok Motor Show at Impact Muang Thani. This popular show is running now until April 8th. Entrance: I didn't really have a plan, nor a ticket, but I met a very kind Thai gentleman on the bus going to the convention site, who offered me a free ticket! ^_^ Once inside, I walked all around the site and took photos of many cars. Please enjoy! Benz: Mini Coooper: Nice! Sexy! Spec sheet for the car above: Click for details... Porche: My favorite from the show -- an orange Ferrari! Side: Back (holy sheep -- I love this car. ^_^) The exhibition also had a lot of vendors who sold car accessories. I was impressed with the huge rim display... Lamborghini -- they wouldn't let viewers come anywhere NEAR these cars...Their display was completely roped off.  (sigh) Please check again tomorrow to view more photos and cars. Bangkok Motor Show is on now until April 8th at Impact Muang Thani. Access: BTS Mo...