Jet-lagged, the kids were up at 2am. I convinced them to chillax and they dosed until 4. At 4am it became obvious we were up for the day, so we called the front desk: What might be open and fun for a family at 5am? The concierge first suggested Lumpini Park, which we had been to the day before. Great park during the day, but unless Thailand had solved the Urban Parks at Night problem there was no way we were going to the park while it was still dark. Sheepishly, the concierge admitted that was a bad suggestion, and recommended the Flower Market instead. The vendors should start setting up around 5:30.
A quick cab ride took us through China Town which was already bustling with street vendors at 5:30, and dropped us in the most amazing flower market experience I think we'll ever encounter.
A large part of why these flowers have such a presence in Thailand is that they're used to make garlands that go on Buddhist shrines. Almost every house and business in Thailand has a spirit house, which are thought to house helpful spirits. Gifts of flowers, food, and the shelter of the shrine itself are given in thanks to these spirits and to encourage them to remain in the spirit houses, because the spirits are believed to protect and bring good luck to the houses the live in. You can read more about it here.
These garlands are sold to adorn spirit houses:
Dawn at the market
The flower market gave way to an enormous wholesale vegetable market
Chilies
Ginger
These were like an eggplant (sort of). Used in curries with chicken
Fruit
This is a fruit called Durian. We did not try any, but it apparently has an intensely offensive odor. Oddly, the fruit is beloved by many, who claim it's very sweet. One of our hotels actually had a "No Durian" sign in the lobby - this is not uncommon.
Crabs (that you could not pay me to eat)
Garlic
Mushrooms
Yeah, that's a cat perched on those tomatoes. There were street cats everywhere.
Did I mention Thailand was beautiful?
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Thailand: The Flower Market (or a photographer's delight)
Posted by Jenny at 10:21 PM
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3 comments:
so lovely - I LOVE fresh flowers!!!! What great pics and thanks for the interesting cultural facts. :)
Jenny, the fruit called "Durian" is commom in Brazil... I love that, is sweet and look like a lot of balls when you open, surrounded by a layer sticky, sweet flavor and strong smell and distinctive, recognizable long distance.. =)
When you go to Brazil, you should try it, I dont know if you will like, but try it... =)
Graziii =)
those flowers are beautiful!! i love the colors and the bigness of some of the flowers. it's interesting to learn about the religious beliefs of gods in spirit houses.
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