Suddenly it's Christmas. There's no escaping Christmas music!
But not to be forgotten
For something completely different: a toilet shot. I was afraid to touch any of the buttons
But now it's Saturday night in Bangkok.
What to do?
What to do?
How about: Thai Boxing!
Credit to Andre for getting us to go.
Four of us head off to the Lumpini Arena.
There are 9 fights of 5 rounds (at most) on the card. All the fighters weight about 100 lb and look really young. We're seated in the 'VIP' (tourist) section. We've ringside, in chairs (instead of benches) and get a complimentary DVD of Thai boxing. First class all the way!
This is the real Thailand. We are tourists for the show, but it's very serious for the locals. It's noisy, vicseral and a important part of their lives. For many it is their life.
But first, a word for the ladies.
'Popcorn, chips!'
At the start of each fight, the fighters arrive bedecked in garlands of flowers and wearing a what looks like a 'tennis racket' on their head.
They then do a little dance around the ring.
Whenever the fight starts this band starts up.
To our left is the 'blue' corner, where the fighter's coaches, friends and family cheer him on.
On the other side, the locals were very vocal. But no as loud as the band. The ones with their hands in the air are placing bets.
On with the fights.
They spend a lot of time dancing around on the toes of one foot when wham!
Oof!
A favorite move is to grab your opponent and try to knee him in the kidneys. The crowd loved this.
Between rounds the pit crew works on the fighter.
Knock down!
Knock out! Wheel chairs standing by.
The winner!
The guy on the ropes is not looking good, but he went on to win the fight.
Great fun. I recommend Thai Boxing if you're in the neighborhood.
See you in Australia!
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