Same, same but different

We are now back in Thailand, getting ready for two sailing regattas. You may remember from the last blog the photo of the police water cannon, we can now explain why we thought it might be useful in Thailand. No, not for use against the red shirt rioters. We travelled from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus whilst the Songchran (water) festival was on. This involves people throwing water over each other and having a big party. Great fun to watch, shame we were on a bus although on the last part of our journey we were daubed and hosed a little by the locals. View out of the bus windscreen. The road is soaking wet and it hadn't been raining. The locals put a barrel of water on the back of their trucks and filled pistols, dishes, whatever to catch anyone riding or walking past. The journey took 5 rather than the normal 2 hours.

Out of the side window of the bus, you can see we were still targets. It is a fun festival, with everyone taking part in total good humour and lasts for 12 days.

We went to a leaving do for Sam and Keith who we had met before in Pattaya. They are off to Kuwait. Good luck Sam and Keith. Lets hope you find some booze. In the picture are three PIGS (Pattaya International Gentlemen's Society) from left Michael, Tony, Keith and Garry.

Larking about on boats again. This was Garry celebrating his birthday by stripping and cleaning a bilge pump. All part of our race preparation. Reinstalling the pump, whilst out at sea invloved a few choice words, including head, up ar.., f........, can't, see.

With the pump re-installed and the sea cocks closed, it was time to relax. Alison had provided champagne for all on board.

All on board. Race preparation and team briefing taking place. (Yeahh right!). From left Gary, Cliff, Tony, Chris, Thane, Garry and Siam up front.
The racing starts Friday 1st May. We still have lots of work to do, but are confident of a good result or two.

Cheers

Alison and Garry