It has been fun being in Bangkok to celebrate Lunar New Year.
We hardly had time to recover from Valentine's Day
when there appeared to be dogs running around everywhere.
We are of course celebrating the year of the dog!
These larger than life canines are running wild under giant red flowers outside the Central Embassy shopping mall. Inside, in the largest shopping centre in Bangkok, the designers had fun. Think bold, think colourful and joyous.
I know I keep saying it, but I am still in wonder at the contrast to last year monotones during the official year-long mourning period for its late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
If this was what was going on in the central business district, we couldn't wait to see how Chinatown looked. Bangkok's has a vast and substantial Chinatown. They say outside of China, this is one of the best Chinese New Year celebrations to attend. It lived up to all our expectations, it felt very festive.
Put your sunnies on and take a look at this!
You could become a Chinese Lion dancer at any age. As long as you're fit and strong to lift the heavy costume and the other performers. Just look at the young lion cub, three dancers up. The music and drumming are as loud as the colours on the Lion are bright.
As we wander through the streets amongst the street sellers selling red Chinese dresses and shirts, street food. It is rumoured that further down the street Thai royalty are paying their respects at the local temple and people are beginning to line the streets waiting for the upcoming Dragon parade. There is a lovely atmosphere.
People are happy. If you are born in the year of the dog this is your year! As we all know the dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty, they say that people born in the year of the dog possess the best of human traits friendly, faithful, smart with a strong sense of responsibility.
Some of our best-known politicians are born in the year of the dog - Winston Churchill, Bill Clinton. Did you know that Donald Trump is a fire dog?!
Bangkok expected over 300,000 visitors from China over the Chinese New Year period. This makes China the largest number of overseas visitors now - they have obviously heard that Bangkok knows how to put on a good party!
Of course for some, the festivities were all too much, and there is nothing better than to curl up, even in your Sunday best for a little snooze!
Happy Year of the Dog if it is your year
Wishing us all good health, happiness, and prosperity!
PS If you would like to see more of Bangkok life,
perhaps you would like to pop across to my new work in progress blog at LittleWanderingWren.com
Linking with thanks to all the hosts at Our World Tuesday
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