Blogging Miles Around the Metro

I was surprised to know that Brazilians actually comprise the third largest foreign group in Japan. I have often wondered how Brazilians adapt themselves to Japanese culture which is as opposed to the geographic locations of these countries on the planet. The Japanese are polite, restrained and subtle, while Brazilians are warm, energetic and expressive. Once a year, Asakusa in Tokyo celebrates these differences and the history of these countries together through a day-long festival of feathers, sequins, bikinis, and samba; the Asakusa Samba Festival.

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As the saying goes, the Thai New Year has only just begun and Bangkok is already soaking in water. The New Year or locally known as Songkran is a nationwide water fight with roots in traditional Buddhist cleansing ceremonies. In recent years, the celebration has become more like St. Patrick’s Day with water guns as Thai and farangs (foreigners) guzzle alcohol and hose one another down.

The celebrations usually go on for three full days (13th to 15 of every April), but this year the authorities have decided to kick things off much earlier by starting on the 12th.

Songkran is usually the best time to visit Thailand (either this or during its Winter at the end of the year). If not things get too hot during the summer. The water fights help you cool down.

I shall be covering the festival over the three days exclusively for Blogging Miles. So expect loads of pictures, videos and wild fun.

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