Images from my archive 28 years (part 2)

  ​Just about when you think you have seen it all, along comes something you have never seen.  The history and information can be found by Googling "Thailand's Vegetarian Festival."  All the facts and how it all began.  Some sites will recommend hotels and airfares for the backpacking crown seeking a new adventure.  I keep going back because I don't think I have got it yet.  It is a nine day religious holiday celebrated by those Thai-Chinese who live in the Phuket area.  

While on assignment for the Associated Press I was held hostage by a daily and at times an hourly deadline.  That meant running out, shooting, coming back to file and the whole time wishing I could slow down.

I am retired now, I work for the best boss in the world, myself. I am no more rushing back to file. 

Festival devotee enters a trance like state.

Temple leader escorts procession toward parade route.

Devotees have fireworks explode around them during a street procession.

A Devotee walks in a Phuket street procession.

Fireworks explode around devotees as they walk in a street procession.

A devotee wraps himself in barbed wire.

Devotees enter a trance at the Vegetarian festival.

Devotees race across hot coals during the Vegetarian festival .

Devotees enter a trance like state as they prepare to walk across hot coals.