Maurole Welcome

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Fri 26 Aug 2016 22:57
Maurole Welcome
 
 
 
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We settled promptly at six but didn’t move to the stage seating for over an hour. A dragonfly sitting on Gin’s knee gave us a respite during the long wait.
 
 
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A man who looked and sounded like Deputy Dog stood and gave a very long welcome speech in a voice that sounded like a young lad mid voice-breaking-time. The translator was good in as much as he did quite a bit of paraphrasing, then came the local dignitary. Thank heavens the beer fridge was restocked.
 
 
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The entertainment (all local school children) began by a chap cantering around, stopping to pose in a threatening stance before being joined by a group of young ladies.
 
 
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More young men joined in. 
 
 
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The hand gestures were very Thai-like and the finale brought an almighty cheer from behind.
 
 
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Turning, we could see most of the inhabitants of the two villages had massed into a frenzied and loud crowd.
 
 
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We had the privilege of presenting the signed rally flag to the headman who wore incredibly shiny shoes. Bear gave a little speech and after translation we were followed by a Jackson Five group of youngsters dressed to the nines.
 
 
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Next, a very nice dance explaining how rice came to be.
 
 
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This pair received cheers and whoops that would have them believe they were Nureyev and Fontain as they finished their modern dance. A delicious supper was served at ten to nine – sadly, no one took the microphone from Deputy Dog who wailed loudly all through the meal. The interpreter gave up and went for a smoke or three. After we had finished eating the dancers had us all join in.
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL A GREAT EFFORT BY EVERYONE TO WELCOME US
                     INCREDIBLE SO MANY LOCALS TURNED OUT FOR US