Going green on Valentine’s Day
Roses are red…or are they? On Valentine’s Day, I thought I’d share these glorious green “roses” that are all the rage in Thailand, where I’ve just spent a wonderful week.
Made from pandan leaves, they popped up several times during my stay. On arrival at Koh Yao Yai Village, a resort on an island between Phuket and Krabi in southern Thailand a garland was strung around my wrist in welcome. At the end of it, were three of these lovely hand-made “roses”.
In my room – or rather, the 73 square metre bungalow that I had all to myself – more roses awaited on the king-size bed. All the Thai folk art that adorns the resort’s accommodation is hand-made by the islanders, and the roses are no exception.
When I headed to the Kao Spa for a massage (using oils and local herbs), a bouquet of pandan roses was part of a display in the reception area.
These roses have everything going for them. Natural, affordable, eco-friendly and original. I’d love to have brought some home with me, but I don’t think the Customs officials would have approved! Instead, I have to be content with these photographs.
Happy Valentine’s Day. May your day be filled with love.
A Glass Half Full 
4 Responses to “Going green on Valentine’s Day”
These are gorgeous! Having these waiting on my bed would have made it ok to go back to the room and relax:).
Red faced and green with envy.
So pretty! And you’re right – environmentally sustainable. I’d never thought about them from that angle. There are people in the parks in the American South who make these out of palm fronds and other long leaves. It’s fun to watch them.
It’s fun to try to make them too – but mine never look quite right. It’s all about practice, I guess.