Happy New Year

No, I am not mad. This weeks sees New Year in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.  This is the only country where I have lived that has three New Years - 1st January, Chinese and now this one which is the biggest of all three.  Its timing is based on the astrological chart. 

This is their real holiday season.  Everybody is off home to family or out of the country.  And, of course, let me not forget that this is the time for the annual engagement in serious water throwing. 

It is all based on a lovely cultural practice of wishing each other well and new beginnings in life. 

As I approach another year, I could not wish the people better than what is wished in this picture by Caritas Austria for people suffering in our world.  I pray that the people of Thailand treat each other with the respect they deserve as fellow and equal citizens in one society and in the world community.

Happy New Year!