Thailand.. of weddings and wishlists

 Hi all👋 !

Attention GUYS!!

In case any of you decide to get married to a THAI GIRL …BE INFORMED!!

YOU are the one who Pays the dowry or sinsod to the brides family ….

YOU pay homage to HER ancestors….

And YOU are the one who has to be approved …

Why????

Simply … because That’s the Thai way!!! 

You dress something like this…

And the ceremony invariably begins at THE auspicious hour ..precisely 9.09!
 Beginning with a few ‘making merit ‘ tasks ….the Buddhist way ….

For instance releasing birds from their cage

Or letting a turtle  or fish into a pond

Or donating money to Buddhist monks..

All symbols SEEKING good luck ….

Then the WATER POURING ceremony…from special shells on to the couples hands ……

Followed by the WHITE THREAD ceremony ….Here white thread tied around brides and grooms heads in circles together yet kept separate ….signifying unity yet stressing preservation of individuality…

All done….??
Wonderful…!

Life NOW a bed of 🌹roses!

Well Not quite … no not on first night !

After partying hard and dancing the night away ..

One goes to bed to find an OLD COUPLE lying there .. !!

This actually ANOTHER good luck sign..!!!

Signifying longevity!!

Besides the old couple there may be placed bags of rice symbolising prosperity 

A rooster… so you RISE AND SHINE each day ….

A  SLEEPING CAT suggesting Comfort

A  STONE MORTAR  meaning ‘ solid love’!!!

All cosily sharing space on the bed for 3 days !!!

Oh no!!!

In this day and age of instant coffee ….3 days way too long …couples happy to cut long story short 

 To just a day!!

But Thais super superstitious!!

Will do anything to ward off evil.. wear tattoos with ‘Bangkok Ink’ on their foreheads or the” FIVE LINES”on their arms!

Thai weddings a veritable feast for the senses especially so because of the beautiful FLOWERS …the exuberant CHYRSANTHEMUMS,
Coupled with the tantalising whiff of JASMINES,the Mystery of 

ORCHIDS….These in abundance in the FLOWER MARKETS …

Also in the FLOATING 
MARKETS of Bangkok!

Mohammed won’t go to the mountain so mountain will come to Mohammed !

This the essence of a floating market…..One sits pretty in a TAXI SAMPAN….Vendors from motorised boats alongside sell you all the SOUVENIRS your heart could desire….While you chomp happily on chicken satay or coconut pancakes served hot hot from vendor on boat on other side! Or from SHOPHOUSES lining the canal…

What more could one want???!

Add to this …the Background commentary telling you the latest winner of last nights KICKBOXING match

Or announcing the next LONGBOAT race……

( best season.. October .. when canals fullest)

 So much happening!!!

A Feast for all senses….sight smell touch taste hearing….Terrrrrific!

No Rocket science then, that Thailand tops as top tourist destination for Indians ….

As also for INDIAN DESTINATION WEDDINGS!!!

Besides the gorgeous floral decor …

It’s  CHEAPER  , more value for money …to have a wedding in Thailand than say an Indian destination like Rajasthan or Goa!

One can have a LAVISH affair at two thirds the price…!!

And GRAND  too!

Groom can come riding on an elephant 

Gorgeous Thai hostesses happy to greet you 

A picturesque beach setting

Thai puppeteers ,Thai dancers

Floating lanterns ,Food , Flowers,

Fireworks, the works!!!
What more?!

Ooooh ! 
Thailand so much fun!

Weddings even more!

Twinny fully inspired!!

Wish list for 2017 fully ready…

Er Don … are you listening???

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Byeeee!👋👋!

Happy new year folks !!!