Balancing remote working with more playful pursuits, was a bit challenging in August, as this marks the start of the Norwegian school year (and my main source of income). I had to take preparation seriously, but there is always time to find some fun.
One moment was a farewell for the Aussie who found the place selling beer back during Buddhist Lent. We all took turns to give a little speech. “I came here on my ace knowing just one person – my good friend – but the absolute highlight of Chiang Mai has been meeting all you interesting people”, said I.
I have also been thoroughly enjoying the live music scene and have stumbled across a couple of purely local spots. I enjoy being the only farang (tourist) at some places and taking a vacant seat alone, with a fixed smile. Thai ‘gangs’ are some of the friendliest I have ever met! They all have matching jackets. The most gang-related occurrence was when the “Fuck Daddys” sprayed water on their neighbours, which was quite refreshing! Then another fun-loving group arrived wearing jackets with the words “GIVE ME DEATH” imprinted on their backs. I anticipated a polite showdown between them and the Fuck Daddys, while happy blues music continued to play, but they all ended up drinking Sang Som (Thai rum) together and having a big laugh.
My good friend took me to play airsoft for the first time at the weekend. This is like paintball, but with real-looking, semi-automatic weaponry, that shoot BB bullets. Airsoft (strange name) has become a huge thing in America and has clearly caught the attention of our Eastern friends. A young American player who can’t be older than 13, very proudly showed us his custom-made UZI. Some other players had airsoft shotguns, sniper rifles, and one with an MG42 machine gun! 300 Bhat gets you kitted out with a mask, vest, a standard (and heavy) AK47, and a big bag of bullets. This was enough to play 6 games.
I took one flesh wound to my favourite leg. My friend was less fortunate. He slipped at one point and got punished on his vulnerable side. It looked like a genetically-mutated mosquito had had a Christmas feast on his skin!
One rule is that you should not shoot anyone from close range, so our one teammate had a wooden samurai sword. He charged into battle with it drawn high so that he could poke opponents dead without having to say “bang bang”. Another teammate wore an ace of spades card in his helmet, and was fully fitted out as an American commando. Although the mission was to ‘attack’ one’s enemy, the whole atmosphere was friendly and fun.
As someone who plays a LOT of computer games, airsoft seems like a much healthier way to let off steam. You also get off your arse and get good exercise. Some countries are concerned (understandably) about how realistic-looking the weapons are, but then didn’t we all get exposed to plastic guns, swords and machine guns at some point in our childhoods? I think it will always be part of our lives – an improvement to being thrown into a gladiator colosseum.
Next: Thailand #28 – Old Town
Previously: Thailand #26 – Boiled Eggs & Silence
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