Final Day in Surin

I was taking a nap in my hotel Sunday afternoon after the elephant show and I was wakened by the trumpeting. I looked out of my hotel window at the plaza in front of the train station and I saw this wonderful scene.

A lady prepares to launch an offering to her ancestors.

This is a paper lantern that is also used in the loy ka tong celebration and it is amazingly simple and beautiful.

I spent my final day in Surin attending the aforementioned festival in the morning and the evening at another celebration called loy ka tang. For loy ka tang the Buddhists light candles and float them down the river or set off burning paper lanterns which ascend like a hot air balloon. This is done to honor ancestors and I would have made my offering had I not suspected that my father would probably not think it such a good idea to participate. Those of you who are reading this and who knew Jimmie Hanahan well will agree, no doubt. It was a beautiful event with candles floating on the water and burning lanterns rising from the shore.

I am now in Pattaya, Thailand for a little beach time. This is where I went to the hospital for a hip injury on my last trip. I was happy to walk past Pattaya Memorial Hospital earlier today and not have to stay there. I have only a 14 day visa for Thailand this time which means I have to leave here by next Monday. I will go to Bangkok in a couple of days and from there I plan to head over to Cambodia.