Let the year begin!

The annual rigors of Thai New Year celebrations have been faced once again.  For a foreigner, that means dodging the ever present danger of a bucket of cold water being chucked at you on the street from any direction or any person.  Thankfully, by now, I know how to navigate the ins and outs of Thai fun with water during Songkran.

That done, it is now back to navigating the rigors of everyday life in my Bangkok.  Even after so long here, that remains ever a challenge - just as daunting and dangerous as ever.  For one thing, you keep realizing how little you understand about here, being ever the victim of unwanted surprises. 

I discover only now that Songkran, the Thai word for naming their New Year, means "to move across".  How apt.  We move from one year to the next and the movement is engaged through action with water for blessing, cleansing and drenching. 

With or without Songkran, I am endeavouring to move across to something new and different in my life for the sake of good and healthy life and mission.  I just do not want to become stale or comfortable in my lot here.  Just as I have learnt to navigate the games of playing with water at Songkran and survive, so I know I can navigate life in my Bangkok so as to reach that new direction, that new goal for a fuller life experience.  I just need to work at it and take my opportunities.  It is all possible.  Let the year begin!