Petchaboon Family Thaication

As I sat editing some photos and videos from my camera I realized the large quantity of pictures I have from Thailand. Frequently, friends and family pester me to post these photos onto Facebook but for some strange reason I feel adverse to that. However, as I get more and more invested in my blog, I think it’s high time that I start sharing some of the visual wonders that I experience on a daily basis. I’ve had the pleasure to share my words with you, now let me spend a few posts acquainting you with the sights of Thailand.

The following video was shot in October of 2012 in the province Petchaboon, Thailand. The festival celebrated the unique history of the province. The performers reenacted a battle scene from thousands of years ago while females gathered to perform traditional dance. Students from the surrounding area proudly displayed the flags of the ASEAN community, an ever-present phrase in the life of a Peace Corps Volunteer because it is driving Thailand’s standards and modes of measurement at present.

Below are photographs from the Petchaboon festival and photos of my family vacation to the mountains of Khao Kaw. This is the same mountain I talked about in my post Lessons Learned From a Peace Corps Volunteer. My family giggled all night because I pestered them to join me in waking up early to see the sunrise. Their laughter came from knowing me all too well: I hate mornings. When I awoke, a wet fog had settled over the benches and a moist dew clung to flower petals and blades of grass. Despite my initial grouchy demeanor, this was one sunrise I am glad I didn’t miss.

Click on any photo to enlarge and watch in a scroll screen

Euree and Ma Yome walk through the forest at the mountaintop.

Flowers and foliage frame the morning sky.

Our weekend vacation spot in the mountains of Khao Kaw, Petchaboon.

Finally, the sun has climbed her way into midday.

A spirit house captures the beauty of Thailand and the beauty of the mountains.

Picking flowers during sunrise.

Shades of green mountains contrast the blue skies.

In Thai style, every color imaginable flickers on stage as dancers parade their talent.

Centerstage at Petchaboon’s annual festival.

Female dancers practice for months to get their performances perfect and beautiful.

Strong beams in the dark night illuminate the dancers and performers on stage.

A reflection of the Buddha casted onto the canal water below.

Bright lights illuminate the stage in Petchaboon.

My Thai Dad and Uncle take in the last minutes of glow before mid-morning sun ensues.

My uncle and I peer out into the fog and sun.

Naa Gop shows everyone how grilling is really done.

Red foliage offsets the warm hues of the sunrise.

My Thai mother and I pose for one last shot before heading home.

Ma Yome displays his James Dean-esque edge.

Ma Fuung and Ma Fie pitch in grilling help.

The morning sun burns over the lake of fog.

A panoramic of a Khao Kaw sunrise.

A lake of fog fills the valley in Petchaboon.

Dusk rolls in over Khao Kaw.

The evening sun has just settling behind the rolling hilltops.

A young girl stops to fancy a child’s drum set at the night market.

A silhouette of foliage in morning sunlight.

Market vendors tend to the crowds of Petchaboon’s annual festival.

Euree tediously grills small chicken drums.

Typical evening market food accompanied by the skull of the animal it came from.

The cotton candy woman works hard to keep up with the large crowd of the festivities.

Students dance to traditional music and wave ASEAN flags.

A silhouette of picking flowers.

Euree snaps a photo of me in the morning sunlight.

Our family sits down for dinner to enjoy a freshly grilled meal.

Euree and I together overlooking the mountaintops.

I found a small kitten eager to have company for the evening.

The morning sun has finally ascended above the peak of the mountain.

Euree playing in the flower fields on the hill