Happiness isn't a figment of someone's imagination

(Catching some rail at an indoor skate park in Esplanade Mall)

Songkran, the annual water festival and new year’s celebration in Thailand, was a little low key for me this year. I think most people who’ve spent enough time in Thailand understand that you can either join the festivities or run away… there’s no in between. This year was a run-away year for me. No water splashing, no crowded locations… just a bit of time to relax. Most of the people I know stayed in-doors and tried to not get involved in the festivities. Most of the Thai people I heard from said that the festival is increasingly becoming catered to the younger Thais and, more worrying, becoming more aggressive. But, all-in-all, it’s also a great time to be in Thailand, to feel the positive energy coming from everyone… the water festival could even be more popular with the Burmese, Lao, and Chinese, who also celebrate. Its a time to let go of your worries, take a break, and try to enjoy something special in country known for its smile.

(You should see the queue to buy Takoyaki on the ground floor of Esplanade Mall… every time I’ve been pass there, there’s about 15-20 people waiting… for those of you who don’t know, Takoyaki is a Japanese snack that consists of pancake-type mix, some veggies, and octopus, all rolled together and then grilled in these circular-shaped trays)

(Took the Thai new year’s holiday and went to Baan Amphawa, a traditional Thai housing complex turned into a resort… nice place, but a little out of the way and difficult to get to… would recommend to have a car if you want to go)

(A closeup shot taken while relaxing at the pool at Baan Amphawa using a Sigma macro lens… colorful isn’t it?)

(One of the tours included in our stay at Baan Amphawa was a trip on the many rivers around Amphawa to see fireflies at night. Before we headed out on our trip, we stopped by the famous yet relatively unknown (by foreigners) floating market. Most tourists go to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. While all markets in and around the Bangkok area have their charms, this one seems to be quite popular with the locals.)