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Songkran From the Past
I f you live in Thailand you are no doubt aware that the celebration of Songkran has been canceled due to Covid-19. From Wikipedia: “ The Songkran celebration is rich with symbolic traditions. Mornings begin with merit-making . Visiting local temples and offering food to the Buddhist monks is commonly practiced. On this specific occasion, performing water pouring on Buddha statues and the young and elderly is a traditional ritual on this holiday. It represents purification and the washing away of one's sins and bad luck. As a festival of unity, people who have moved away usually return home to their loved ones and elders. Paying reverence to ancestors is an important part of Songkran tradition. The holiday is known for its water festival. Major streets are closed to traffic, and are used as arenas for water fights. Celebrants, young and old, participate in this tradition by splashing water on each other.” Traditional parades are held in most villages . The parad...
Isaan Music - Night at Tawan Daeng
Just before Christmas, we made a great visit to a Thai music venue. A friend of an old friend came into town and was interested in hearing some music that originates from the northeastern Thai province of Isaan. I won't go into an explanation of Morlam and Look Thung music here, but instead refer you to Seamus' website where you can find some good info and some links. Here it is: http://the-same.org After a bit of research on my part, I located a venue called Tawan Daeng. When we got there early in the evening, close to 9, the place was just beginning to heat up. The music was LOUD. We got a bite to eat and settled in. By the time we left, a bit after midnite, it was jammed and the music was more Thai rock and pop than Morlam and Look Thung. Bill and Bow, Pum and I and Seamus alternately ate, drank and danced to some really fine Thai musicians. The singers weren't famous but were certainly competent and the house band totally ROCKED. I can't wait to go back.

