Hello everyone

In the northern region during this period, a thick veil of toxic smoke draped the sky relentlessly. The sun blazed fiercely during the day, scorching the earth with its unrelenting heat. Despite the oppressive weather, my sister's house lacked the comfort of air conditioning, leaving me drained and lethargic, devoid of any desire to engage in activity.

As the night descended, an unexpected chill gripped the air, compelling me to wrap myself in a blanket for warmth. The drastic shift from sweltering days to chilly nights felt almost surreal, like a paradoxical dance orchestrated by nature itself.

Amidst this climate of contrasts, another tradition unfolded in the community. In the summer months, when Thai men reached the age of 21, they often embarked on a sacred journey of ordination, a gesture believed to bring merit to their parents. The morning sky was marked by the solemnity of a Naga procession, heralding the beginning of this spiritual endeavor.

The Naga parade, once a solemn affair, had evolved into a lively spectacle over time. Now, accompanied by a vibrant musical band, the procession took on a festive air. The streets thronged with people, eager to partake in the joyous celebration. As the music filled the air, feet tapped and bodies swayed in rhythm, casting aside the fatigue of the oppressive weather. In this land of paradoxes, where the elements themselves seemed at odds, the spirit of tradition and celebration prevailed, weaving a tapestry of resilience and joy amidst the challenges of nature.

I too had the chance to join in the Naga parade, but it was only for a short distance. The weather was blisteringly hot, making it quite a challenge to keep going.

Lately, I've found myself confined to my sister's house for most of the day, rarely venturing outside. The neighborhood lacks the bustling charm of Phuket; there are hardly any restaurants or cafes nearby. To top it off, the sky is veiled with a thick layer of toxic smog, rendering outdoor activities out of the question. It's a stark departure from the vibrant atmosphere of my hometown, and I find myself longing for the familiar comforts of Phuket. However, I can't return just yet, as there are matters I still need to attend to.

As the afternoon sun begins its descent, marking the end of the Naga parade, I decide to break free from the confines of the house. I hop into my car and drive towards a hot spring not too far from my sister's place. This particular hot spring holds fond memories for me; during my high school years, it was a frequent hangout spot for my friends and me. Those were the days filled with laughter and carefree joy, moments I often reminisce about as I grow older.

It's been many years since I last visited the hot spring, and as I arrive, I'm taken aback by how much it has changed. The once familiar surroundings now seem almost unrecognizable, transformed by the passage of time. Yet, amidst the alterations, traces of nostalgia linger, reminding me of the cherished memories I hold dear from my youth.

As I approached the hot spring, now enclosed by a natural fence of trees, I noticed the stark contrast of the landscape. Many of the tall trees surrounding the area had shed their leaves, their branches bare and dry, a testament to the changing seasons. Yet, amidst this skeletal backdrop, a splash of color caught my eye - wild orchids, their delicate petals adding a vibrant touch to the subdued surroundings.

Memories flooded back to me from my childhood, when my mother would often beckon me into the forest in search of mushrooms for our meals. In those days, the forests were brimming with life, their fertility sustaining a diverse array of flora and fauna. I would often crane my neck, scanning the towering trees for the elusive wild orchids. When I spotted them, my excitement knew no bounds. I would scramble up the branches, carefully plucking some of the wildflower plants to transplant back onto our farm. Those wild orchids, once abundant, held a special place in my heart, a symbol of the untamed beauty of nature.

As I stood there, reminiscing about the carefree days of my childhood spent amidst the bountiful embrace of the forest, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for the changes that time had wrought. Yet, the sight of those wild orchids served as a poignant reminder of the resilience of nature, a beacon of hope amidst the ebb and flow of seasons.

After taking a moment to admire the wild orchids, I made my way toward the hot spring, drawn by the tantalizing scent of hot steam wafting through the air. Despite its seemingly modest size, the hot spring was surprisingly deep, its waters shrouded in a veil of mist rising from the surface.

I reflected on the abundance of hot springs in the area, yet this particular one held a special allure. While many hot springs dotted the landscape, most were small ponds tucked away within the depths of the forest. It was this uniqueness that drew tourists and locals alike to this specific spot, where the hot springs were easily accessible and offered a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Around the hot spring area, there were various rooms available for soaking in mineral water, ranging from small to large, all offered at affordable prices. However, during the scorching summer months, the idea of immersing oneself in hot water rooms seemed less appealing to tourists. Consequently, there was a noticeable absence of visitors seeking out this particular service during this time of the year.

In addition to the soaking rooms, there were also accommodations available in the form of rooms and houses. Whether for a short stay or a longer retreat, these lodgings provided a cozy sanctuary amidst the natural beauty of the surroundings. Despite the lack of activity during the summer season, the tranquil atmosphere of the hot spring area remained undisturbed, offering a peaceful respite for those seeking solace away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

In addition to the mineral water bathing rooms, there was also a charming pavilion dedicated to relaxing in the soothing mineral water that flowed from the nearby hot spring. Eager to unwind, I dipped my feet into the inviting pool, only to be startled by the intense heat of the mineral water. It was so hot that I couldn't bear to soak for long, realizing that this type of hot mineral water was more suited for the colder winter months.

Feeling a bit disappointed that I couldn't enjoy a prolonged soak, I decided to head back to my sister's house. Reflecting on the experience, I made a mental note to return to the hot spring during the cooler months when the scalding heat would provide welcome relief from the chilly air. With thoughts of a future visit dancing in my mind, I made my way home, already looking forward to the next opportunity to indulge in the therapeutic waters of the hot spring.

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