Wedding Party

7 a.m. wedding invitation. That can't be right. But a phone call confirmed the time.
We arrived on time. I couldn't believe it, breakfast was already under way. It was breakfast at the grooms home, complete with beer and whisky.

By the time the procession got under way, everyone was in a happy mood.

We convoyed down the main highway, then turned off and passed along country roads along the airfield.

At the edge of a village the convoy stopped. Everyone disembarked.
A lively two mile walk with plenty of dancing, singing and what I would call "Esarn Yodeling."

I've attended a few of these weddings, I know the routine.

To enter the bride's home, the grooms feet were first cleansed. Two girls hold a chain or rope across the entrance. A belt was used this time. The groom has to pay a toll before the barrier is removed.

The bride was waiting in her room. The groom had to pay a toll once again to enter.
Then it's down to business as the parents of the groom hand over the dowry and the ceremony commences.

More photos in Album 090306 G.. Wedding

I went home for a needed nap, but rest assured, the party continued well into the night.

Watch 1 minute video 090306 Wedding video (1 minute)

Mishmash

Why does the Thai Baht remain so strong? 
I've been saying it all along, and now the media is confirming it.
The Government has been propping it up.. That's gotta be expensive and really hurt exports. Tourists also would find a weaker baht more attractive.

Local Season opener for Sakon Nakhon F.C. is March 29 against Mukdahan, (not 15th as previously mentioned).

I was sound asleep in front of my TV last night when I was awakened by a long-time Thai friend.  He delivered a wedding invitation for Friday evening.  

I've always enjoyed my visits to that village.  All the kids from the village hover around me, waiting to throw coins into the air

Just finished uploading the pictures of Jan's funeral of July 2007. A number of you attended and can find your picture in that album.

           

Also Uploaded pictures from a november 1 2007 birthday party. The little girl with the crown... ladyboy. Plan on having a similar event this year for my 65'th. Catered meal, entertainment.

And after all these years of doing it wrong, 

I've finally been shown how to peel Potatoes

Recently added albums

There are now over 140 albums in my Picasa gallery

Local swimming hole

It was noon when I passed a local watering hole.  

The doors where still locked and it only took me seconds to decide on an alternative.  

A stopover at a local family market for some refreshements and I was off to the canal.

Even here it was still a bit early, only a few groups had started early.

School must have gotten out by the time I headed home. 

Incoming traffic was intense. With school vacation only a week away, this place will get crowded.

From Album  090302 Canal

Photo Contribution

From Photo Album  Zoo-ology

Seen in Mr B's back yard

Sakon Nakhon Football on the rebound

From 080322 Sakon Nakhon Football

With heavy losses last year, Sakon Nakhon FC is relegated to Thailand Division 2 league this year.  The 2008 performance in Division 1 was dismal 

1 win, 6 draws, 13 losses,

It wasn't always that bad. In previous years Sakon Nakhon FC ranked among the pro league (now renamed premier league).

Thailand is spending 70 million Baht on football. Unfortunately the major share of that pie (50 million) is going to Thailand's Premier league. Leaving 20 million to division 1, 2 and a newly formed women's league. The premier league consists of 16 teams, some with commercial backing, while division 1 and 2 have over 30 teams.

Looks like another year when players have to purchase their own shoes

From 080228 Sakon Nakhon Football

From 080405 Sakon Nakhon Football

Some past games became especially intense and extremely hilarious because of wet conditions on the play field.

From 060813 Football 8/13/06 3:38 AM

The fields are dry, the team has been practicing daily for some months.  Sakon Nakhon FC starts the Season March 29. 

 

It's going to be a winning season !!

Five Star Dining at Toon Army SakonNakhon

Graham really outdid himself in preparing the evenings buffet. There is no denying he is an outstanding chef.
Of course my favorite was spring rolls. The very tender beef being a close second.

There is no denying the food was a class act, something you might expect from a five star establishment. Surprisingly, the most popular item on the menu was his garlic bread. It was the first plate to empty.

It was obvious everyone who attended enjoyed the food and the camaraderie.

Early evening attendance was not as high as one would expect, and I really missed seeing a number of my friends there.
Possibly the heat, humidity and rain earlier in the day may have caused some folks to arrive later in the evening.
Having just recovered from a bout of heat exhaustion the previous day, I called it a day just before the entertainment began.

Thailand offers free Tourist visas

In an attempt to revitalize Thailand's ailing tourism industry, visa fees will be waived effective March 5 through June 4.
This offer does not apply to extensions.
Further details at TAT News Room
                            or Thai Visa Forum

Now Hear This !!

Every neighborhood has broadcast speakers.
Obviously intended for local propaganda, they broadcast short messages beginning at 6 a.m. on weekdays, and an hour later on weekends.

Usually starting with some local music, verbal messages generally last for less than five minutes. Of course it's all in Thai.

A new set of speakers was installed last year. Closer to my home, and much louder. "Grin and bear it."

What is annoying:frequently there are two separate systems playing different music and making speeches simultaneously.

AND: the volume on the new speakers had been turned up so loud that the speakers are "blown," creating very distorted sound.