I stepped off the plane in Bangkok, and found myself smack dab in the middle of celebrations for Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration! A word of advice for anyone who visits Thailand in April between the 13th and the 15th – Prepare to get wet!

Songkran is the biggest water fight I have ever been involved in. Everyone is throwing water at everyone else. No one is safe. Whilst traveling to my hostel in a taxi, I watched the pick up truck beside me dump a whole rubbish bin of water over an unsuspecting motorbiker who pulled up along side. I was in a state of shock and awe and loving every moment of it! It was complete chaos! I quickly ran into my hostel when I arrived, dumped my backpack and joined my friends and the fray who were crowding the streets

But water is just one aspect of the festivities. A young man ran up toward me screaming “Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!” and then took out a white powder representing flour and started patting it on my face! This plaster is meant to represent the plaster that Thai monks used in blessings.

The energy among the crowds that filled the streets, both the local Thai residents and the tourists made it a welcome to Thailand I will never forget!