"Illumination" Walk

Merry Christmas!

Christmas season has come to Thailand, and the trees and lights are going up all over the city. Oh, excuse me... I mean, the "illuminations." You see, here in Asia, lights are called Christmas Illuminations to make them sound cooler.

I don't know if it was just early in the season, but Christmas at first seemed a bit subdued this year. It makes sense though, since the kingdom is still in its official period of mourning after the passing of the late king in October. Instead of the usual Christmas music, the malls and shops have been playing the King's jazz compositions, which I think is really a great tribute.

Nevertheless, the lights have begun to go up! I really want to get into the Christmas spirit this year, so I want to write a couple posts to show some of my favorite Christmas displays that I see in Bangkok this month.

Central World is the largest mall in Thailand and the ninth largest in the world. At the plaza outside the mall, they usually set up a really big and impressive Christmas display. This year's display was always super crowded; the white and yellow motif was to honor the late king.

In fact, a very slight breeze has started to blow, bringing much more pleasant weather with it. I can almost believe that winter is here and Christmas is on its way!

Central World Christmas tree at night

To find more lights, last week, I went out to Rajadamri Road.

Gaysorn Plaza

This was the first place I walked into and saw Christmas decorations! Gaysorn Plaza is one of Bangkok's older malls, and every year they usually put up a really classy display.

Hotel Intercontinental

On my way out I walked past the Hotel Intercontinental, which had a big tree up out front, and lights on all the trees surrounding the hotel!

MBK Center

 

 Finally, I stopped at MBK Center, the huge megamall which seemed so daunting my first weekend in Bangkok when I went there with Grant to buy a SIM Card. Who would have known that MBK could have brought me holiday cheer, when it stressed me out so much the first time I entered it?

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!