Let the Festivities Begin!

Thailand should be called the land of festivals and holidays, especially at this time of year. Tomorrow is Loy Krathong, an annual festival that involves floating small decorative 'krathongs' traditionally made from slices of palm trees, banana leaves, and flowers, down rivers and canals to appease the water goddess. Next is the King's birthday in early December which will involve a 'Bike for Dad' event this year to celebrate his 88th birthday. Then, of course, comes Christmas and New Year's. One of the highlights in Bangkok during this season is the sparkling lights on the trees near Chitralada Palace. Alternatively, you can make a trip to one of the city's mega-malls to check out all the Christmas decorations. Never mind the brash commercialism and the fact that most Thais are Buddhist.       

Op Art Taxi

Today, when I got into this taxi with the undulating stripes on the ceiling, I felt like I had stepped into some kind of mind-blowing Op Art artwork from the 1960s. The effect was dizzying and disquieting. I tried looking away, but it was impossible to escape from the groovy patterns as all of the seats, doors, and even the steering wheel were covered with this trippy design. When I finally arrived at my destination and got out of the taxi, I was happy to make a break from the illusionistic "art" in the cab and arrive safely back in the year of 2015.    

                                Victor Vasarely, Op Art Painting