31/12/2010 new years eve

This morning started with a procession of monks passing our front door. Then a quick shot of whiskey and now for a lovely warm shower. Oh yeh, I forgot, we don’t have a shower and we don’t have warm water. Brrrrr.

Today should prove to be interesting as I’ve been invited to take part in the public proceedings leading up to 12pm. I received an invitation from the mayor and can’t read it of course. I have a feeling it’s more like a consent form allowing them to humiliate me in public. No, I’m wrong, they wouldn’t need a consent form for that. Will keep you posted on that one.

What started with a big build up ended up being not quite right. The public event was merely a couple of soccer matches being played at the local school. A VIP tent had been assembled and all the local dignitaries were present including locals who may have arrived early. A big wooden couch had been set up with coffee table and floral enhancements.

As the principal of the school sidled up next to me he offers me a brandy and soda. VSOP served up as if it was a cheap warm beer. By the way that’s what it ended up tasting like. He kept calling me his friend and that next time I come to Thailand I should visit him. Hmmmmm… I didn’t think my Thai was that good.

Soccer, hence forth referred to as footbon is definitely an exciting pass time for them. The spectators collect money and then offer it up as a trophy for the player to kick a goal. The thing is they’re not team specific.

Whilst all this was going on I was also being kept well supplied with the local beverage of choice. Whiskey see sip. So referred to as that’s the inferred alcohol content. (See sip is Thai for 40) Of course there is no official indication on the bottle. One of the local guys has apparently taken it upon himself to ensure I never do without the stuff. Hence forth he will be referred to as Mr Whiskey. Every ten minutes or so I get a tap on the shoulder and a, “Mr John, whiskey see sip bore?” So walking a fine line between offending by refusing or offending by falling over I graciously accept his offer. By the way the day concluded without my falling over.

The night was spent consuming more of the whiskey see sip and eating more of my pork……..

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