Rating the Rocket Festival

  For a four year old boy, it doesn't get much better than watching rockets streaking across the sky.

The sound of a home made bamboo rocket going off in the distance can sound like soft thunder rumbling. We had huge rainclouds rolling in at the same time the rockets were being launched in the field down the way, and I couldn't tell the difference between the rocket and the thunder. This also might say something about my hearing.

Elijah stood outside watching the sky and listening for the boom. If it was a rocket, he'd let out a war cry and come tearing inside to let us know. By far, the rockets are the best part of this festival.

The rest of the rocket festival though- picture a jazzed up rain dance. Huge quantities of alcohol, lots of dancing, cross dressing and party craziness. The bamboo rockets come in at the end and are launched into the sky to kick start the rainy season, calling on the heavens to send down the needed rain for the rice fields. This year was the best- we got to watch the rockets from home while listening to a thunderstorm moving in at the same time. No heading out to the wild parties. Now that I'd do every year.