Water Sports

How's this for dissappointing those into W/S!

I've been keeping a volley of emails lately with my friend Sean in Bangkok. He told me to prepare to get soaking wet while walking around. Unfortunately, it's not part of the keeping cool system. I asked him what he meant about the water throwing....here's what he said today.

"The water throwing is part of the celebration of the new year. Originally, it seems that one went to the eldest family member and had a ceremonial bathing as a way to wash away the old year and bless the new. Some pictures show washing the hands, some show a small amount being poured on the head. That seems to have grown into people throwing water each other. And if it were just thrown at you... it would be ok. But usually a large bucket is dumped on you. I've been more dry standing in a swimming pool--at least then, part of me is out of the water, my hair and face are not dripping. (NOTE: Sean is like 6'5) And as a illustration, my socks were so wet, they just siphoned all the dirt out of my shoes and turned grey. Neighborhood kids have squirt guns and bowls of water. But people will just stand on the side of the road with a huge industrial trash can filled with water. And they just heave bucketfulls of water at people. But that means you have to wait for someone to walk by. So others will put a tub filled with water in a pickup truck and drive down the street and downse anyone they see. And then the truck can speed away and they are safe from any water responce of the victim.

I have been riding the bus and had people throw buckets of water in the window or door at passengers. I have had a hose pointed in the window and the entire bus was washed on the inside. I have seen people board the bus with a bucket of water, pour it on passengers and then exit the bus. It's a city-wide water war. There are no rules. And it's a 3 day holiday, so no one has work.

Some parts of the city turn into water zones... where people know they can go to have water fights. Everyone has a HUGE super soaker gun and teams form and attacks are made and gangs support each other. Walking down that part of the street without a posse just means that everyone attacks you. Swim suits (surfer shorts), (wet) t-shirts, and sandals are the norm.

The water would be one thing. But in 'recent' years a powder element has been added. Some will dump water and then shake dry powder on you. Yes, you are just coated. Others will mix the powder with water to form a slimey paste which they will rub on your face and slather on your arms. I dont' understand it. I didn't like that part. There is no protest or protection. Everyone just laughs. You can ask for more or less participation. But 'escape' is not usually an option. But some parts of the city are worse than others."

Ah...one more thing to look forward to as I plan my trip!