Happy New Year from Chiang Mai (again)

Happy New Year from Chiang Mai.

We spent New Year's Eve going to temple, along with thousands of others.

Our New Year's Eve partying began with a small get-together on the roof of our guesthouse.
There was, of course, karaoke, and no, we did not sing.

We then made our way down t0 Tapae Gate where the "big" celebration was (sorta like Times Square only without the big ball dropping). There were probably twice as many people as there were last year (must be the recession) but we fought through the crowds and sent a lantern into the sky.

"Big Heads" are the BIG thing here now.

Yes, more litter in the skies but people here are pretty good about cleaning it all up.

Blind Musicians are also a favorite here. They never fail to draw a generous crowd.

Happy New Year everyone.

Good Health, Good Fortune, and Good-Bye for now.