WHITLAM AND LEAPING LIZARDS IN THAI MERRY CHRISTMAS

In Chiangmai , Bucklee  Bell  raised a  glass of  grape juice for Gough Whitlam who  attended  the  hanging  on Magnetic Island  of  BB's painting , Parliament.  ***Australian  friends travelling  in  Thailand   report a welcome surprise ... as  part of  urban revitalisation   some nondescript , rusty roofed  buildings, near  the hotel  where  they  often  stay ,  have been  knocked down to reveal  part of  the old  Bangkok  19th  century klong  (canal) underneath. The  banks have been  paved  and  planted with  bougainvillea  and  trees. Much to the delight of locals, large monitor  lizards  have  been  seen  cavorting  . The  neighbourhood  blessed the reclaimed area during  Loi Kratong, the festival of light, the canal covered with hundreds of  floats  bearing  candles.