Friday, July 25, 2008

Skywatch Friday 25 July 2008

My week started off in Bangkok. After my final dental appointment, I walked around Lumpini Park. It's known as the lungs of Bangkok - a large park in the busiest of the downtown area but the atmosphere in the park is fresh and very relaxed. In the morning, groups of people exercise together - from aerobics for the younger crowd to Tai Chi for the seniors and dancing with large silk fans for the more refined.


lumpini park, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

In the afternoons, the park is given over to joggers and bicyclers. An occasional couple will rent a swan-neck paddle boat for an hour.


light reflections, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

Later on in the day, I fly to Ubon Ratchathani, in the southern portion of NE Thailand. The full moon in July marks the start of Buddhist Lent. The central park in Ubon and the areas around the government buildings were crowded with people enjoying the evening - and a loud fair. Earlier in the week, there was a parade of elaborately carved votive candles, representing the candles that people give to the temples to light the temples during the rainy season retreat.


votive candle, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

This is a monument to votive candles in the center of the city park.


sunset in Ubon, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

The above picture is the temple housing the city pillar.

The following morning, I walked down by the Mun River.


Mun river, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

And saw this spirit house. I imagine that people make offerings here for the spirits of the river.


sunrise and spirit house, originally uploaded by c_p_lew.

This post is my contribution to Sky Watch Friday. Click on the link and see the skies around the world.

29 comments:

Lilli & Nevada said...

Wow those are some really neat photos i love the one with all the lights on the water.

Texas Travelers said...

Great post and beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing the series. Well done.

Thanks for the visit,
Troy

Neal said...

I really like all of them but the 2nd from bottom is my favorite because it looks so peaceful.

Kim said...

Wonderful images. I really like the lights reflected off of the canal and the beautiful sunset.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful shots. Nice views.

Rambling Woods said...

First visit..Beautiful photos...

Lara said...

amazing shots! thanks for showing us your side of the world!

imac said...

Great post, love your skies also all the beautiful buildings.

Halcyon said...

Beautiful photos! It does make it easier when you're in an exotic locale. :)

Thanks for sharing your skies with us.

juliana said...

that's a great set of photos!

Tom said...

Every picture is stunning.. this really is afantastic posting.

Please forgive this 'copy & paste' part of my comment but I am on my rounds checking all the links but wanted you to know I have seen your post and will try to get back again.
On behalf of all other Sky Watchers the team thank you for taking part this week.

Tom

Berit T said...

Oh so beatiful, all of them!!!
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Have a nice weekend!

SandyCarlson said...

All of these are very beautiful. I especially like the lights reflected in the water.

happyone said...

All your photos are beautiful but my favorite is number 5!!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Wonderful photos! You live in a amazing and beautiful place and you can always find the most interesting and charming subjects for your camera!

Thanks for the nice visiting to my blog! I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Marie Walden said...

Chanpheng, there is something about this blog that is peaceful and appealing. I love traveling along with you!

Harry Makertia said...

Chanpheng, you have a great collection of photos! Love it, glad that I found it and now I know how to arrive here. Thanks for visiting my blog.

Markus Latva-aho said...

Really great looking pictures! I have only known about the Thai Lumpini stadium, for thai boxing.

Jane Hards Photography said...

All so very different and wonderful fo skywatch. So many!

Kelly said...

Wow, just amazing pictures...I feel as though I'm there...
Great pictures!!!1

Laurie Black said...

Beautiful images and interesting stories to go along with them...thanks so much for sharing!

Brian Bowen said...

Thanks for welcoming me to Sky Watch.

I like the second from the bottom too. Looks like I place I could enjoy visiting for a while.

lv2scpbk said...

You have some wonderful photos here. I love the color blue on the one photo and love the city view with the water.

Gattina said...

You took me on holidays with these beautiful pictures !!

Tina Coruth said...

Wow! These photos are gorgeous!

Unknown said...

This is such a lovely series of photos. I enjoyed the skyline shot but I also really like the way the lights reflect on the canal shot. Pretty! Happy weekend, what is left now. :)

dianasfaria.com said...

Your photos are stunning! Thank you for visiting me so I could find yours and see the beauty!

Anonymous said...

A very fine photo diary, beautiful photos, and what a different place we live in :-), all on the same world. Thanks for your friday-sky-visit !

Anonymous said...

Your photos are amazing! Absolutely grand! :) Thanks for sharing!