We’ve been in Chiang Mai for the last couple weeks and our time stretched into the New Year. We started out the night of Dec 31 by having dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in the city. We learned that, coincidentally, the Thai-Chinese-American owner, who mostly grew up in America (and partly England) has a house on Mercer Island and graduated from the University of Washington! We would like to meet up with him when he comes to Seattle in September. Anyway, after dinner, we walked all the way to the Tha Phae Gate, where tons of people were lighting and releasing lanterns. Even before midnight, people were setting off fireworks and lighting lanterns. We saw a few lanterns get caught in trees…but no fires, luckily! Some of my brothers were a little worried about the fiery lanterns falling on our heads (the lanterns did fall every so often – we had to stay attentive), but we made it out okay. The whole festival was super wild and crazy with lanterns and fireworks everywhere, so we almost backed out of lighting one. Mom and I convinced my brothers and Dad to light all of our lanterns (we actually sold three of six to other people; side note: Dad took this opportunity to teach us the word “arbitrage”), and two of the three lanterns ended up properly soaring away. The first of the three was one of those that other people had to worry about catching their heads on fire. (Oops!)
After the festival (12:30am), we bought some really cool homemade ornaments from a street vendor. Over an hour later, we made it home after a long walk and a songthaew ride. Even at almost 2:00 in the morning the streets were still packed with cars and the restaurants near our apartment were packed with people. Without a doubt, even with all the wildness, I would go back and do the festival again and again! I loved it!
Wow! It is great to learn the new years celebration in Thailand with lanterns! We have something similar in Taiwan, but it is only done in one beautiful town. Where do those lantern go and eventually land?
That’s neat! Which town is it in? The lanterns in Chiang Mai fall all over the place — on the street, on telephone lines, on roofs of buildings etc. It’s pretty crazy!
I wouldn’t have thought of the dangers of the lanterns, but they are absolutely stunning! Happy New Year Hartshorn family!
Yes, we definitely had to be careful with them! Happy New Year!
I really enjoyed Reading your post, William! I could feel your enthusiasm and excitement in the words. I also thoroughly enjoyed the pictures of seeing you light the lanterns. Also, it is fun to think that you will be continuing your around the world adventure right back here in the Pacific Northwest with relationships that you built while you are away. Happy new year to all of you!
Thanks Mrs. Hakkarainen! One of the best parts of traveling is getting to meet new people. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Hartshorn Family! What a joy to read about some of your adventures and see these incredible pictures. Praising the Lord! It is a blessing to see your smiling faces. Huge hug from Bear Creek!
Happy New Year Mrs. Gephart! It’s so nice to hear from you!
Y’all are having a ball!! As it should be. It looks so beautiful. I can’t believe how the boys have grown. 😲😲
Thanks Mrs Harvey! I’m nearly as tall as my dad!! 🙂
Hello Guys! Wow, what an amazing New Year you had! Looks and sounds like so much fun. Sounds like such a big celebration. We all miss you and love reading and hearing about your adventures. Keep enjoying yourselves and know we are all thinking of you.
Thanks Mrs. Jenson! We miss you guys too!
Happy New Year to all of you! How we are enjoying all of your incredible adventures! We really love learning about this fabulous New Year celebration in Thailand! Beautiful lanterns filling the skies! So exciting! Thank you for taking us along on your travels! We enjoy every post! May God continue to bless your time and travels. Miss you all! Patti and Ron Lynch
Happy New Year Dr. and Mrs. Lynch! So happy you guys are following along! Have a great year!
Looks like you guys had a fun new years.
-Beth
Yes, it was amazing! Did you have a fun New Year’s?