Our Awfully Big Adventure

Loy Kratong, Dogs and Mopeds

There is a full moon tonight. It is 5th November, Loy Kratong festival, which appears to be a version of St Patrick's Day. There are some drunken old guys staggering around and we watched a parade of pick-up trucks turned into make-shift floats carrying adorable girls dressed in traditional Thai costumes and wearing a lot of make-up. Miniature lanterns are lit with candles and incence and floated on water in honour of Phra Mae Kong Kha, the goddess of the river. Today is our last day in Thailand. It has been an excellent experience. Thai people are exceptionally laid back and friendly and adore children, especially ours. It's difficult to believe that this is a country under martial law. The only visible difference on the landscape is the fresh coat of bright yellow paint on the bus shelters; yellow is the colour of respect for the king in the sixtieth anniversary of his accession to the throne.

My lasting memories of Thailand will be:

1. Universal Thai Dog
There are more dogs than people in Thailand. All of the dogs are the same mongrel breed, except for a variety of shades. Apparently the King of Thailand was once photographed with a dog about fifty years ago and every loyal subject subsequently acquired one. No-one now seems to own any dog roaming the streets.







2. The Moped Rules
There are more mopeds than cars in Thailand. Despite what any law decrees, no-one on a moped wears a helmet or stops for traffic lights. Mopeds are used to transport dogs, laundry, sheets of plywood and tables. I saw a woman breastfeeding a baby on the back of one. Entire families usually travel together with infants and toddlers sandwiched between older children.