Why do so many people here have pick-ups? Rot-gra-bah in Thia. The answer to the question soon becomes apparent during Songkran. Todays journey would have us make our way to Lampao Dam near Kalasin proper.

The vehicle of choice had been out fitted with a 150ltr tub filled with water. Small bowls and buckets were soon found and they too made their way to the back of the vehicle. The younger kids all clambered into the back with me included of course and we were off. Yes, I remembered my waterproof camera.

Lampao Dam is some 35Km from Ban Nong Pai and most of it can be travelled by way of the major roads at 80 Kph. However, what’s the fun in that? Better to take the back streets through the villages and see the locals throw water at the pick-ups. Note to self: Bring wetsuit next time.

It wasn’t long before all the water in our tub had been gleefully flung at passing motor bikes, other pick-ups, pedestrians and innocent bystanders. Now what? We’re out of water. Well, Thai ingenuity kicks in (or is it the ability to make a buck?) and we stopped off at a canal. There some guy had set himself up with a pump and for ten baht you can have your tub refilled.

Off we went again. By now I was soaked through and through and had a generous lather of talc on my face. The latter being additional bonus relative to the passing on of good luck. The people at the side of the road will flag down the passing vehicles and touch each of the passengers faces with talc laden hand. This can of course get very messy given that everyone is wet. Farangs get priority I found.

It was great to see though that all of the antics are very light hearted. Nobody gets narky. How could you? If you complained you’d simply get another well deserved dousing.

We did eventually arrive at the dam. Or as I dubbed it, “Kalasin Motor Show”. With the emphasis on pick-ups. It was here that I rediscovered another interesting Thai trait. They don’t use swimwear. No, I don’t mean that they’re into nude bathing. In fact truth be known, they’re the prudiest lot out. I mean they simply swim in their clothes. You might say, but they were wet already from the trip getting there. Well I’ve seen the same thing on beaches in Phuket. No real call for a swimwear outlet here I’m afraid. Swimming lessons wouldn’t go astray though. Although that would put the inflated inner tube hire dude out of business.

The destination of the day’s street parade was the local temple (Wat) and this was to be the venue for the evenings festivities as well.

When we arrived that evening we came upon a circular arrangement of chairs in front of a stage. By now I have concluded that the locals could all definitely use a hearing test as the parade’s amplification gear had been supplemented with even more gear. They obviously think that “stereo” means two of everything. The music had needless to say, an overwhelming presence.

The theme for the evening was some of community dance affair. The idea being that a financial contributor facilitates the ability for others to dance. The money is of course all put to good use I’m sure. Maybe the proceeds of this evenings event were going to be utilized to bolster the ever waining water supply.

Your’s truly was duped into (I mean selected for) making the first major contribution. It was an all in extravaganza with anyone and everyone displaying their cultural dance heritage and prowess. Others were on stage banging and clanging away (almost in time) along with the music.

Of course I was not going to get off as lightly as only making a donation. No, no, and after a lot of coaxing and a shot of VSOP offered up by local wearing a pith helmet, I entered the circle. The music began to play after I was introduced in English by the local teacher (why English when no one would be able to understand it) and before I knew it I was surrounded by Thai women. Not one of them under sixty five I might add. It was about now that all of those Discovery Channel shows started playing in my head. You know, those that deal with cultural courting rituals of sorts? It was then that I remembered that it’s OK for Thai men to be cradle snatchers and it’s frowned upon for Thai women to be cougars. Phew…..

Written about a lot would definitely be an understatement when it comes to the Thai festival, Songkran. It’s celebrated throughout the land and can vary in number of days depending on city or province. In the case of Ban Nong Pai – Isan Province, Songkran officially lasts three days.

Anyone that has been to one of the tourist centers during Songkran will tell you that it is one big water fight. In the tourist centers it is. The experience to be had in one of the villages of say Kalasin is definitely different and much more of a cultural awakening as well.

Day one I was awakened with a, “Johno come and have a look and bring your camera”. I should mention that I have had the privilege of attending one of the tourist centre Songkran festivals and had suitably equipped my self for the occasion. I had my underwater housing for my camera with me.

Just up the street from our house seats had been put out and the local elders had been requested to take a seat. The younger set then go past one by one and pour a bit of water on each of the elders and wishing them good luck as they go. Water is laced with some scent at times or small flowers can accompany the small sprinkle of water. Of course though with the official showing of respect out of the way what is one to do with the surplus water? Everyone else cops a serve of course.

The morning proceeds from there with a visit to the local temple. Blessings are received and donations are made. The jury is still out on which one of these matters most to the locals. Preparations are then made for the upcoming street parade. The latter probably having originated from a time when Songkran was all about paying homage to Budha and as a means of strengthening community spirit. The street parade I witnessed was that with just an added touch more.

The lack of town water did nothing to dampen the spirit, (pardon the pun) it was on for young and old. Monks led the parade, the locals followed and bringing up the rear was a pickup loaded to the brim with sound reinforcement equipment. The latter blaring out the local Isan hit of the moment. At about 119 decibels I might add.

As the parade makes it’s way through the village streets water is dispersed in every way possible. Those not taking part in the parade await the arrival of same outside their abode. There they have tubs of water on hand and at times the water may contain ice as well. Given the heat of the day the water can be quite refreshing. However, laden with ice the water will still have a chilling effect.

What was great to watch was the fact that young and old take part. One particular boy had taken a liking to the farang taking part and decided to make it his mission to keep me suitably wet for the duration of the parade. He was dubbed bucket boy.

It should be mentioned at this time that there is the odd occasion during the parade where alcohol is consumed. I noticed bottles of whiskey and soda being poured into water buckets filled with ice and then being handed around freely. I guess one could say it brings about a community spirit. (Sorry)

As a sidebar I would like to add that as a farang, my taking part in the parade was met with only welcoming gestures. After all, they’re all throwing water around. How hard can it be? However, I did get the opportunity to get my own back at times as well.

To be continued…….