Royal Barge Procession, Bangkok

Delayed from last year due to the floods, Thailand's Royal Barge Procession took place yesterday.  Luckily for me Sue (a.k.a Agent 21/2), lives right on the river and had fabulous views from her balcony on practice days.  Sue and her long suffering husband John, kindly hosted a few of us to lunch and a viewing.

Here are some of the wonderful sights we saw from Sue's balcony.  Click on a photo to see them full size as there are some amazing costumes.

I have no idea how the sailors managed to stand balanced on the barges.

Whilst the barges passed along the river, it was absolutely quiet, save for the chanting coming from the sailors.

The rowers on some of the barges, had a wonderful rowing technique, which involved lifting the oars clear of the water and above their heads, to be held at differing angles.  Sam said that the name for this technique, translated from Thai, means flying bird.

I just cannot describe how enchanting this sight was.

I am sure that for the sailors who took part, it must be a truly memorable experience

 There were so many different costumes.

On the day of the actual procession, I went with the British Club.

 The British Club arranged police outriders for us!

Here is the Crown Prince on his barge.

As the Crown Prince's barge passed, the crowd waved their flags.

There is always an empty barge in case something happen to the one of the barges.

Even from a disadvantaged viewpoint, nothing could mar the beauty of the spectacle.

In the lowering afternoon sun, there were some wonderful silhouettes.

The crowds were out and thronging every available space.

I feel so lucky to have experienced this, and will always remember how very moving I found it.