Happy New Year 2012

So it was the last day of the year and people were making lots of plans. Some went to night clubs, some for dinner. Our Interior Manager Mike managed to pull some strings and arranged a table for us at the Allure night club for a fraction of the price they were charging as we were being "permanent" residents in the marina. I was staying put onboard as I wanted to blow the horn at midnight so Mike had brought a tub of cold champagne for me to enjoy, eventually I corked it with my Deck Officers as all other crew was ashore except the watch crew.

Jesse & me trying on our tailor made local suits on the eve (we did not wear them outside the ship)

Our stay here had gone from one week to indeterminate length due to unforeseen changes in the Owner's itinerary so we still continue to wait for orders and make the best of our stay in the UAE. So far it has been pleasant except for the poor service rendered by our agent, but more of that later.

Well, I had a quiet evening waiting for midnight and after hooting the horn I went over to Allure to see how the crew was faring. The house was rocking to the rafters and it was jampacked. I sat at the table which soon became apparent as people were so drunk they just came crashing over the table and wiped it clean. After the 3rd time I stood up (my pants being soaked in booze up to the knees by then) and held my glass in my hand. Later on I went out on the terrace to see whats happening there but the music was better inside so I decided to go back. Suddenly the door was blocked and some local boys seemed to have some squabble going on. Then I saw someone coming from the inside and the slogging started, I took a 3m safety margin to the fighters lest I'd be drawn into the fisticuffs. Finally the security guards came along and took the guys off and I went inside and decided that it is better to retire for the night when the crowd got so rowdy and unruly. Luckily none of our boys got mixed into anything. Later I heard there were scores of undercover CID Officers about the premises so I'm sure the "contestants" got what they deserved in the end.

Without any further ado I wish all of you who have had the patience to wait for my updates and actually bothered reading my scribblings a Prosperous and a Happy New Year 2012, may it be a good one for you too. I wish the Universe would in 2012 keep my wallet fat and my body thin as opposed to 2011 when the wish was misunderstood and it went the other way around....

Video from the NY transition, taken by my 2nd Mate Jesse, in the background you can hear the horn blasts

Songkran

13th was the last day of Songkran in southern Thailand and people were out in force enjoying water games. In this spirit we also put 4 barrels of water in the back of the pickup and went driving to Pakmeng. The beach was packed with people and cars with people in the back throwing water at each other.

Water terrorists on wheels

At some places we had to stop and were smeared with scented powder by the people, at other places we stopped and filled up our barrels for a small sum of money or sometimes for free. This carried on along the road, soon enough we turned around and headed for Huai Yod, same thing was going on there too.

"Watering" stop 

After been throwing water for 3-4hrs everyone was feeling the sun and strain so we headed back home, I discovered I had 2nd degree burns on my nose and forehead. Some New Year...

Festivals In Thailand, including: Songkran, Public Holidays In Thailand, Loi Krathong, Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, Asalha Puja, Wan Awk Pansa, ... Pee Ta Khon, Khon Kaen Silk Festival, Vassa

Merry Christmas & Happy and Prosperous New Year

I want to thank all readers for having the energy and interest of reading my posts yet again for another year. Recalling my school years I actually hated writing essays not because of the writing but because of the teacher who was always bitching about my bad grammar. Well, I suppose he was only doing his job and I was doing rebellion. As I recall my shortest essay was quarter of a page once. For this reason I got special tutoring and must say it was much nicer to sit with a young lady and discuss writing...

Remember the Elves are watching your every move, so be nice ;)

Anyway, I hope my scribblings are doing some purpose and filling your possible question marks or giving you hints of something to do or see. At this time I am now in the Maldives on m/y Indian Empress and will give you the news when I'll get the time, meanwhile, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and in a few days also hope that you will have a Happy and Prosperous New Year to come.

Merry Xmas video

Merry Christmas

As the Christmas is coming to it's peak and we're waiting for the Owner to arrive I wish, on behalf of me and my Indian crew, all readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year 2010 :)

Courtesy of Nickelodeon