April 13th was the official day of Songkran, and, apparently unlike the New Year’s celebration in the West, the traditions in Thailand continue for a period longer than one day.

Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way today. Yesterday was bearable since I was prepared (at least mentally) for what I was about to endure. If you saw the video in my last post, you’ll have an idea of what I’m talking about: the water fights. It’s one thing to go out for lunch, knowing that you are definitely going to come back drenched, but it’s another thing to go out thinking that the festival is over, and that the water battle madness has ceased. Boy, was I wrong.

All I wanted to do was make a quick stop at 711 for a loaf of bread, and I couldn’t even make it (5 minutes away!) without being in range of getting attacked. I understand it’s all in good fun for the New Year, but come on people, give me a damn break! It’s not like I’m walking around with a giant super soaker, I’m unarmed! Once I got to the the main road (I was coming from a back alley), I peaked around the corner and spotted “armed and dangerous” pedestrians on both sides of the sidewalk. So, what did I do? Join in the fun? Let them spray the hell out of me? Maybe someone more friendly would have, but I’ve had my fair share of  so-called “fun”, so I just cut my losses and went back to my place. And, of course, just to spite me, as I was making my way back, I passed by a trigger-happy farang who was more than happy to shout, “Happy New Year!” while lighting me up with his giant super soaker.

At least I still had some Ramen left over.