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.