So, that was an interesting night. A cultural, spiritual, athletic and tourist experience wrapped up all in one.
I thought I knew what to expect, but it was so much more. Eight fights, lots of cheering, front row seats, and maybe around 200 pictures. For now, before the editing occurs.
I had thought about this the first time I was Koh Samui, those four years ago, but ran out of time, so I figured after running around the riverside, the only real thing I hadn't done yet which is quintessentially Thai was to go to the Boxing Arena. Funny thing, the last time I wanted to see a fight, it was Canada Day, 1997, in Australia, when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off. What a disappointment that was .... and to be honest, I have no interest in UFC or MMA, but this was extremely entertaining on so many levels. Luckily I was on the lowest level, right by the action.
Three levels of seats, the upper one was caged off, full of rowdy die hard fans, the second one was above us, uncaged, mostly old guys trying to place their bets to who knows who, and then us at ringside, the obvious tourists. The lightweights came first, as the first three or so fights were pretty tame, then the real guys came next. But even still, the biggest guys I think were 130 pounds, but boy, they were cut. Too many things to say, too many funny moments to capture onto pictures, but a hoot all around. They pummel each other for up to five rounds, then at the end, they make sure they're ok.
Then the next fight, the next bunch stretch in the corners, do their Buddhist prayers in each corner, stretch again, and off we go again. Fight after fight after fight. So many times I can't keep track of who should win, except for the occasional knockout, who cares, I'm on vacation. I'm not supposed to know.
Got to get to bed early, wake up at 6:30am, leave at 7:30am ... everybody had fun tonight, and everyone will Wung Chang tomorrow night ... (that's a reference to a silly 80's tune, a few letters switched around ... but I degress)
Bye for now ... Happy Fourth of July to all the Americans out there ... in the other land of a white, red and blue flag.
I thought I knew what to expect, but it was so much more. Eight fights, lots of cheering, front row seats, and maybe around 200 pictures. For now, before the editing occurs.
I had thought about this the first time I was Koh Samui, those four years ago, but ran out of time, so I figured after running around the riverside, the only real thing I hadn't done yet which is quintessentially Thai was to go to the Boxing Arena. Funny thing, the last time I wanted to see a fight, it was Canada Day, 1997, in Australia, when Tyson bit Holyfield's ear off. What a disappointment that was .... and to be honest, I have no interest in UFC or MMA, but this was extremely entertaining on so many levels. Luckily I was on the lowest level, right by the action.
Three levels of seats, the upper one was caged off, full of rowdy die hard fans, the second one was above us, uncaged, mostly old guys trying to place their bets to who knows who, and then us at ringside, the obvious tourists. The lightweights came first, as the first three or so fights were pretty tame, then the real guys came next. But even still, the biggest guys I think were 130 pounds, but boy, they were cut. Too many things to say, too many funny moments to capture onto pictures, but a hoot all around. They pummel each other for up to five rounds, then at the end, they make sure they're ok.
Then the next fight, the next bunch stretch in the corners, do their Buddhist prayers in each corner, stretch again, and off we go again. Fight after fight after fight. So many times I can't keep track of who should win, except for the occasional knockout, who cares, I'm on vacation. I'm not supposed to know.
Got to get to bed early, wake up at 6:30am, leave at 7:30am ... everybody had fun tonight, and everyone will Wung Chang tomorrow night ... (that's a reference to a silly 80's tune, a few letters switched around ... but I degress)
Bye for now ... Happy Fourth of July to all the Americans out there ... in the other land of a white, red and blue flag.
Keep up the blogging. I am looking forward to your pictures. I live vicariously through you.
ReplyDelete(I already posted essentially the same post but it has not shown up so maybe I did something wrong. I am trying again,)
Hi Peter ... two identical posts are better than none :o)
ReplyDeleteYou need to post some pix ASAP even if they're unedited!!
ReplyDeleteToo many Vanessa .... just too many, and the connection speed won't be worth it. Unless I bump into someone who will lend me their laptop or something. Free is always a good price.
ReplyDeleteYou should at least post one picture a week or something :(((( My eyes would like to feast themselves on some beauty!
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