Guns, singing, flowers and pictures, Isaan Thailand.

I have had a lovely little holiday over the New Year period. We had exams on the 28th and 29th. So that meant from the 30th until the 4th off. It has been a beautiful 6 days but I have been marking exam papers. I swore I wasn’t going to do this as it was a holiday.

I have been watching test cricket, I know this is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea but I really enjoy the long form of the game. Australia is playing South Africa in Australia and so far they have given us Aussies a lesson in the first two tests. The third test started on the 2nd and you have plenty of time to mark exam papers between balls.

I ventured back to the New Year carnival taking place at the local government offices. Noot’s younger sister, Ben was singing but I had some time to kill after a mini panic attack by Ben.

We arrived on time, supposedly when Ben was meant to be singing. We had parked the car in the local temple and paid our 30 Baht. I believe it is a little safer in there with than out on the street. We started to walk into the festival and Ben calls. She wanted us to bring her a skirt.

Rewind to 4 hours earlier in the day. Ben came home from the village and Noot and Ben went through the wardrobes. I eventually told them to go and buy something new, they did. Apparently now, the white jeans weren’t right and a skirt was a better idea.

We found Ben and went shopping at the shops in the festival. Ben found a skirt and we were back on track again. I then found out there was still plenty of time before Ben sang. She was still 6 bands away. They went back to the large stage and I did some shopping.

Ten minutes later my phone rang, “hurry up! Ben sings next,” Noot said. I paid for the things I had bought in the shop that had just about everything. I rushed back to the stage, found Noot and sat down. After the band that was on another came out, then another and another. I kept giving Noot strange looks and she kept saying “Ben said she was next.” Blame someone who wasn’t there to defend themselves.

I eventually got tired of waiting and ventured next door to the army set-up. This is a yowie suit or camouflage. There was a guy in it the other night reaching out and grabbing people when they didn’t expect it.

This is a punter and a rifle.

A soldier was practicing his aim.

Here a punter shoots a 45 revolver.

And another man was trying his luck. This shooting range is busy everyday, especially the revolvers. You have to wait for your turn. I didn’t have a go as I can go out to the range and shoot my own gun and it is a lot cheaper.

I made my way back to the stage and finally Ben came out to sing.

There were two parts to each group. There had to be a slow song and then a fast song. Ben sang a slow song.

The band then cranked up the pace with some heavy metal. I was surprised how good the lead guitarist was.

After Ben had finished we went for a walk as Noot wanted to check out some plants, incense and oils.

I really liked the pictures.


These frangipanes looked great.

Excellent affect this horse picture.

My favourite was this boat and buildings. It was 1,700 Baht and I am sure you could get it a little cheaper. I will talk to my better half and maybe venture back on the last day of the festival.

Before we went home, we went back to the stage to hear the winners. Ben didn’t win. Life goes on and she will try again next year I am sure.

Brunty