We are at a resort in the beautiful beach town of Baan Krood. Somehow this lovely place has managed to forestall the 7-11s and Starbucks, but it's only a matter of time, as the tourist sprawl of Hua Hin is spreading southwards.
We're here for three days, watching the boys learn how to swim in the two pools, walking along the pristine beach under the full moon, and riding bicycles along the seaside. This is a place where the dogs are accustomed to bicycles, and they wouldn't think of disturbing their lazy naps by chasing or even barking at a passing cyclist. That's a welcome relief after the countryside dogs, who are leaner, meaner, hungrier, and certainly faster.
Tomorrow is another Buddhist holiday: the full moon day of October marks the end of the rainy season, when monks emerge from their solemn retreats. I suppose you could call it party time for monks, but that would be disrespectful. "Party time" means they're allowed to travel around (as passengers), or maybe they can pass gas.
mr mick
check out the report card! (I wish)
1 comment:
Ok Phansa marks the end of three-month Buddhist lent on the full moon of the eleventh lunar month. After three months restricted to their temples, learning dharma and practicing meditation, the Buddhist monks once again return to their social duties. This is a day of joyful celebration and merit-making, known in Thai as 'Ok Phansa.' In the central region, the ceremony is called 'Tak Bat Devo', whereas the people in the south call the ceremony 'Chak Phra'. During this time, most Buddhists take part in the ceremony by presenting offerings to the monks. Each temple may hold a Tod Kratin ceremony once each year in which robes and other necessities of temple life are offered ceremoniously to the monks on an appointed day. Communities in the northeastern region also celebrate this auspicious occasion. Well-recognized Ok Phansa celebrations include a grand procession of meticulously-carved wax castles in Sakon Nakhon, the illuminated boat procession in Nakhon Phanom and Bang Fai Phaya Nak, “Naga Fireballs,” in Nong Khai.
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