30/12/2010 butchery

Yesterday afternoon firstly involved some negotiating relative to our yet to be established investment in what. Several, “What are they talking about?”‘s later and I’d figured out they were talking about buying a pig.

Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon we set off on several motor bikes, one with side car to go and pick up our prize pig. Having dutifully jammed our pig into a steel carry cage we returned home. It had been decided that the pig would be butchered the following morning at 4am.

Note to self. Don’t use a rooster call as an alarm ring tone when staying in Kalasin. You’ll sleep through it every time. Like I did this morning.

I was finally woken up at 4:30am by the sound of knocking at the door. With that I got up and followed my brother in law around to the site that had been set aside for the carefully orchestrated butchery of our pig. By the time we got there it had already been relieved of it’s life and was being cleaned. This all takes place on a bed of banana leaves and as you van imagine, nothing is left to chance when it comes to hygiene.

Parts removed are gently thrown over to another bed of banana leaves where said parts are then cut up and portions are then carefully measured out and bagged for distribution. I’ve got to say it doesn’t get much fresher than this. By the time the recipient gets the meat (home delivered I might add), it’s still warm.

All this takes place whilst an assigned clerk carefully documents the portions delivered and the money coming in. There is no possible way this system can be faulted unless of course a farlang is involved. I paid 2000bt for our portion of meat yet only 1500 was recorded in the book. When questioned, the clerk told me that 500bt had to be deducted for drinks. The latter being what they refer to as whisky see sip. Consumed in small shots.

Another sensational morning was had by all. Tonight I’ve been told that all the guys have been invited to our place. Guess what’s for dinner? If you sad pork you’d be right. After all we bought a large portion of it so it’s only fair they come and eat it. I guess I’ll have to spring for some more drinks as well.

Maybe tonight I’ll get some sleep……

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