Life’s A Carnival (Fulton Market)

As a kid growing up in Bangkok, the flamboyant yet populous capital of Thailand, I’ve always found bells and whistles the Venice of the East has to offer whipped up and exciting. Much like the “concrete jungle” of Uncle Sam, the city is buoyant with bustling street vendors, multicolor cabs, jam-packed night markets, and mega shopping malls. I’ve always thought the phrase “shop ‘til you drop” originated from Thailand, given the ginormous variety of bazaars, shopping complexes, and luxury department stores (later I was disappointed when I found out the term originated from a Lifetime game show in 1991, and that my weak knees from trampling on multiple levels of towering skyscrapers had no solid justification). Ah life, you win some you lose some…

 

My early childhood days, in all its urban glitz and glamour, felt like a movie reel spinning at its beginning phase, ever so slowly and nonchalantly without care.Weekdays were spent absorbing knowledge in four-walled classrooms and engaging in team sports (where a substantial amount of time was spent on mastering 3-pointers that sadly was to no avail when I started college and “freshman 15” kicked in). On weekends I’d take a summer getaway trip to Bang Saen and delight myself in an assortment of freshly grilled seafood before riding along the beach shore to explore new pebble-ridden grounds. What I love so much about the city, on top of the generous supply of crustaceans and the breezy, immaculate air, is the Bang Saen Walking Street during Ko Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival, which is a merit-making festival where villagers from various places gather to celebrate Songkran (a.k.a Thai New Year). Much like a carnival parading with street parties, folklore music, and circus, the Songkran Festival is a fun-filled time in early April where people in Bang Saen indulge in carefree and joyous beach festivities like water-throwing, folk sports, and building sand stupas. It’s the time when people set aside their worries and step away from their daily chores to become one with the jovial ambience around them — vastly colorful, exhilarating, and fun! Speaking of colors, little children will run the gamut with blue, purple, and pink dyes that are mixed with baby powder, which *Beware* they will chase after you for the mere satisfaction of smearing multi-colored goo on your face. Take it from the Skittles’ mantra — see the rainbow, taste the rainbow!

Without a doubt I miss those memorable times running down the roundabout streets with a water gun and a face full of baby powder, finding amusement in my diversion only to be chased around by street dogs marking their territories. So this past weekend when I drove by this graffiti-engraved building that housed a Latin fusion restaurant called Carnivale, I knew right then and there this was my next photo shoot.  Along the I-90 and nestled in the Fulton Market neighborhood, this vividly distinct little gem brought me back to my early childhood days with its vibrantly hued vertical stripes and bacopas in hanging baskets. To not take away any visual credits from the vicinity, I chose a flowy black dress with mid-riff cutouts that gave this simple LBD a subtle edge. My accessories were in tandem with the colors on the wall–a mustard & teal tribal necklace from Thailand (read about it HERE), red Ferragamo pumps with rose gold heels, and Phillip Lim Pashli satchel in bright orange hue!

Life’s a Carnival when you’re having fun. So light up the art deco walls. Turn up the marimba. And put on those heels. Let’s dance! 🙂

Xoxo~ Lena  

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo (similar here); Bag: Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel; Dress: Forever 21 (similar here); Sunglasses: Prada

Credits: Jason J Photography http://jasonjphotography.zenfolio.com