The Bird Of Heaven

Feathered Fellas

Birds are the eyes of Heaven. - Suzy Kassem

Today is about a perfect night and spicy-style seafood and the stars.

And the bird of heaven.

But I’m getting ahead of the story. So let's start at the beginning.

The breeze is just strong enough to erase the lingering heat of the day. We're sitting on the open deck of the Koh Lanta restaurant, a hidden gem all the way out, almost at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. The enclosed porch overhangs a man-made lake, giving the illusion of floating above the water.  

Truly.

Everything is laid out nicely and has beautiful finishes and things that sparkle and shine.

Can you picture it?

Above us, the stars are beginning to emerge, brilliant pinpricks in the velvety sky. The torches lining the deck have been lit, sending a glimmer on the water below. 

Mmm... Can you smell the basil and turmeric in the air? It's the smell of a night of just-extra eating. The restaurant is famous for its seafood which reputedly all comes from the local Samut Prakan port. We're waiting for our order of spicy-style fish, shrimp, crab and pad thai, of course, a Thai favorite.

Are you getting hungry yet?

We're watching the planes departing and arriving from the airport every five minutes until suddenly... 

... suddenly, it shows up. I stare at it, speechless. 

Are you ready? If you've paid attention earlier, you will have guessed correctly.

A black-necked crane! Sorry, I did say, 'bird of heaven,' so you're correct... same difference.

It's the most splendid-looking water fowl I've ever seen. Its body is whitish-grey while its tail, long legs, neck, and head are black. The eyes and bill are yellow. On its head, I can see a small, white patch. A distinct red patch of bare skin adorns its crown. 

A long time ago, the black-necked crane was claimed to be the messenger and harbinger of the highest heaven. It would rise above the clouds into endless space, disappearing from the sight of earthbound mortals.

So I sit there in silence, listening to the sound and movement of wings hovering the water.

Feeling the space, a safe haven to float.

Waiting when perhaps I, with them, would reach for the celestial heights.