Phuket Stories

Our calendar shows images behind certain dates. It lets you know what that day represents. When the date is in red then it’s an important day.
The 21st February was in red with the image of the Buddha in the background. I knew that Bamboo would have no school and all government offices would be closed along with the banks. Yes, I should have said “A Bank Holiday” but some days have government offices closed with the banks open.
On the 20th, a flyer was delivered to all the houses in our estate. Unable to read Thai , I did notice  6 am 21st.
Driving back from the Bamboo’s favourite restaurant, which we go to every Wednesday after school, my treat to her. I noticed tables being set up around the park area in our estate.
Patitta, my wife, arrived home a little earlier from work and took Bamboo away with her. They returned two hours later loaded down with packages and small plastic bags.
I was told to go to bed early as Patitta and Bamboo began to make up parcels. Each parcel contained: a cup of rice, a tube of toothpaste, a small carton of milk and a tin of fish.
Bamboo told me to call Mama and her at 5.30 am.
21st Feb. I had great delight waking up Bamboo and Patitta at the appointed time. Bamboo jumped out of bed immediately, whereas on school days I have a heck of a time wakening her up and getting her out of bed.
We left the house at 5.45 am. The stars were still shinning and the moon, though full was settings. I could say that it was a cold, crisp February morning with out breathes visible in the chill of dawn but I would be only dreaming.
The stars were still shinning and the full moon was setting but the heat of yesterday still lingered in the warn morning air.
As we made our way towards the park we were joined by others also carrying parcels. We picked an empty table and set out our parcels as did everyone else.
While waiting for the Buddha Monks to arrive, I asked Patitta what was this festival all about.
“Its Magha Puja”. she replied. (Later I had to find out the full meaning on the internet).
The good thing was that I was allowed to return to the house, but still in the dark. In the dark about the festival, not in the dark as in night, even though it was still dark for a few minutes because at 6.30 am we have full sunrise. I love the Tropics and the heat in the “cool of the morning” reinforces the heat of last evening which really maintains the continuous heat of the Tropical Day.
Two pick-up trucks followed the monks and collected all the food parcels.

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