|
|
 |
|
.Leisure - Kite-flying |
|
|
|
|
| More than just a hobby,
kite flying is a tradition and an art in Thailand.
The summer holidays are the time for all to
take their multicoloured, captivating designs
to the skies. In Bangkok, Sanaam Luang has
been the favourite meeting place of kite fanatics
for more than a century. |
| ©
http://www.bangkok-thailand.org |
|
| 6pm at Sanam Luang in Bangkok
- the best of the weather has come together
to enable the kites to get off the ground
and fly high |
 Sometimes
things don't quite go as we want them to and
you can spend more time untangling the knots
in the kite's string than actually flying
the blasted thing. Good luck! |
|
|
|
| .Up,
up in the sky... |
|
|
|
|
>> Already a great
lover of this relaxing pastime, King Chulalongkorn
(1868-1910) authorised access to the Royal
park so that his people could enjoy this common
passion. Ever since, the popular tradition
had continued and hundreds of people come
every day to Pramane - Sanam Luang during
the months of February to May, to fly their
kites in the skies of Bangkok, for pleasure
or in competition.
At the end of each day, especially the weekends
during the cool dry season, the Bangkok skies
around Wat Phra Kaew are dotted with thousands
of fluttering colours. It's the kite-flying
season in Krung Thep. In a childlike atmosphere,
certainly due to the many families present,
Rattanakosin Island's main square welcomes
the young and old alike to enjoy this hobby.
Everything you need to make the day complete
is there. Every type of stall, from food to
games, platforms for entertainment and shows
and even vendors of... kites for those ready
to put their hands in their pockets. Not forgetting
of course, the indispensable wind that remarkably
makes it royal appearance at the end of the
afternoon to the great delight of the participants.
Each flies his craft in his own time. The
experienced applies himself, the novice hangs
in, while a few yards away, competitors get
ready for tough battle. This consists of spectacular
aerial jousting, where the most skilful tries
to 'take out' his opponent. At weekends, bringing
everyone together, enormous display kites
come and fly in wonder above the crowds -
undeniably the kings of the show. (/LA) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Leisure |
Kite-flying:
Up, up
in
the sky... 
 The
great show of the
cinema
in Bangkok
|
|
|
[ Why
| Ethics
| Who
| Links
| Thanks
| E-mail
| Home
]