Party Central

So, since the depressing 'isnt life just rubbish' blog of last week, which was clearly written at a low point (common in adventures such as this), things have perked up. It seems to be party season in Thailand, and every week there is some shindig or dinner or wedding to go to. I have a wedding this Thursday, one on the 2nd of February, and last week alone I went to two sit down dinners with live music and dancing after. One of them was to celebrate 'Teachers' Day' (yes, we are so important and amazing that we have our own day. Got off work and all for it) and the other was an intercultural show in a nearby school.

I think it is important to explain though that things are not done like at home. For one thing, majority of parties and dinners are outside. Basically, if you imagine a wedding reception, complete with 8 seater round tables and cloth covered seats, and place them on a large school basketball court, you have a Thai teacher's party. This all comes with complementary deafness, as the speakers that keep you 'entertained' with live Thai music and karaoke could rival the O2. Thai people do not believe in volume control. Everything in this country is loud, from the music on speakers to the people themselves as a result of hearing damage due to the speakers. (I have come to realise its not that the kids don't understand me, its that they cant hear me). Also the numbers are colossal. An outdoor party such as this, or a wedding, could cater for between 600 - 800 people. Nobody in Ireland would ever think of taking on such a task, but in Thailand this is something done on a weekly basis.

With weddings though, I find it much more enjoyable. The food is always plentiful, the music is much lower, an everyone is always in such happy moods. Also, the fashion, as in the west, is vital. The difference here is that the clothes are so cheap that you can look fantastic for so much less. In Ireland, if I was to buy a dress, a pair of shoes and jewellery, you could spend €120 or more, depending on your choice of shop. Here, I got a beautiful long dress and a pair of shoes for ..... €12. And that was expensive by Thai standards. Thats something you really cannot beat.

Sawatdiikha.