Sweden’s National Day began with a visit to Talat Dokmai Flower Market.
Three of us-members of SWEA Bangkok-had been given the lovely task of selecting flowers and greenery for SWECHAM’s joint celebration of National Day June 6th and Midsummer, taking place on June 7th. In Sweden Midsummer is celebrated June 20th this year.
Visiting the flower market is a delight every time. The sea of blooms in every color and shape never fails to fascinate. These days, it’s also quite easy to get there by MRT. When we had bought the flowers, we took a break and visited the Flower Art & Floral Café. A real unique little café filled with flowers everywhere and a collection of vases, cups and much more. Their motto written on a mirror spoke to the three of us: “Just living is not enough, one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” Very true.
It has become something of tradition for us SWEA members to volunteer and help make floral wreaths for the lunch guests – excited women, little girls, and even the occasional man. It’s a true feast for the eyes to watch the cheerful crowd, full of delicious Midsummer food and drink, dancing around the midsummer-pole and singing at the top of their lungs.
Just like last year, the celebration took place at the Westin Hotel Asoke. The tables were beautifully set, traditional delicacies were laid out, and the bartender had not forgotten to chill the snaps, a must on a midsummer lunch.
I often wonder what non-Swedes think when they, for the first time, see a group of adults hopping around a flower-covered pole, pretending to be little frogs – without ears or tails, no less?
It often seems like the adults are having more fun than the children, while the teenagers, who’ve been dragged along, look nothing but embarrassed by their half-crazy parents.
I remember the first time I saw grown up Chinese men running around as dragons – I couldn’t help but smile.
Different cultures, different traditions – but isn’t that exactly what makes life interesting and enriching?
Back to our celebration.
SWECHAM’s president Mr. Peter Björk, warmly welcomed guests of all ages. As in previous years, many companies had generously sponsored fantastic prizes. The General Manager of the Westin Hotel, Mr. Robert Wittebrood, presented a voucher for overnight stays, which was well received. Our Ambassador Mrs. Anna Hammargren, was among the many lucky winners. TPV contributed vouchers and brought along a selection of clothing from their latest collection, which attracted many buyers.
URBAN Flowers had crafted beautiful flower crowns for SWECHAM’s energetic staff, just to name a few of the sponsors.
SWEA Bangkok contributed with flowers and helped with wreaths making, and the youngest enjoyed fishing candy bags from the “Treat fishing booth” donated by SOFTA.
It was an all-around successful lunch, excellent organized by Anna Olsson Moore, SWECHAM’s very own “general” together with her dedicated team.
Many of us are now saying goodbye to Thailand for a while, heading off to Sweden for a cooler Swedish summer – or to other destinations – to enjoy a well-deserved summer break.
Wishing you all the best, and see you in the autumn!
