Yi Peng

I was fortunate enough, through happenstance, to be able to experience the breathtaking Yi Peng (Lantern Festival) in Chiang Mai over "Thanksgiving Weekend." Thousands gather together to release huge sky lanterns into the air.  As your lantern floats upward into the night sky, it is said that it takes with it all your past troubles and a wish that you make for the next year. 

These images will hopefully give you an idea to the delightful madness of the scenery; so many people, in one little place, all playing with fire... with nothing but good intentions. 

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What happened after Yi Peng on our scooter ride home was simply the opposite of the peaceful moments we experienced mere moments before.   Basic recap: lost on back roads, lightening flashing all around us, rain pouring down, trees and branches falling everywhere, Libby driving through it like a champ....  haha.  To finish out the evening and to dry our bones, we ate our hearts out at a delicious indian restaurant and then promptly fell asleep. 

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such a memorable night.