Bangkok, 13 February 2010This morning after a tour of the historic and artistic sights of Bangkok, the last of the visitors set off for home, making their way along the crowded footpaths. Here, as in most tropical countries, life is lived on the street.

The streets, packed with fast-moving traffic stirring up the dust and carbon dioxide that remains suspended in the hot humid air, are lined with stalls selling clothes, drinks and fruit at ridiculously low prices (for those with strong currencies). Portions of chicken, small fish and hotdogs are cooked on small charcoal stoves, and meat and vegetables seem to be fried continuously. At any time of the day or night you can grab a bite to eat at the small tables under the colourful sunshades.

Over 250 focolarini took part in what was a deeply spiritual meeting. This was the second of such meetings, the first one having been held in Tagatay in the Philippines, for another group of focolarini from Asia. Three days of beautiful meetings, enriched by meditations on the theme of the year – God is Love, updates on the life of the communities from the twelve countries present and an in-depth study on the encyclical Charitas in Veritate.

The high point of the meeting was the last afternoon spent in dialogue with Maria Voce and Giancarlo Faletti. A wide range of topics was covered from new evangelization to inculturation and from inter-religious dialogue to the new generations.

As is the custom on these occasions in the Focolare, the visit finished with an evening of songs, dances and artistic contributions showing the cultural richness of the different countries present and embellished by their splendid National costumes. Some of the sketches were so funny they had the audience on the verge of tears. Almost another inundation!

Paolo Lòriga