Strange how one minute, I’m in the process of writing several blog entries at a time and the next, I have no idea where my time or concentration went. Anyway time to catch up.
On Sunday, 24th of July, it was that time of year again when ‘the Thai Restaurant Association and its sponsors presented London’s annual festival of Thai food and culture’. This takes place in London’s Battersea Park, for one day only every year, in which ‘over 40 stalls serve hot food, Thai drinks, souvenirs, crafts and fresh fruit and vegetables. Entertainment is provided by Thai musicians, dancers, martial artists and performers. Everything combines to bring you all the sights, sounds and flavors of Thailand’s distinctive culture.’
I was looking forward to this event since getting the flyer from the Songkran festivities, and also, because I had gone to it twice before. The first time was a few years ago which I vaguely remember. But last year, it was definitely nice because the weather was perfect for the occasion. However, I didn’t arrive with my family, instead my mother’s friend and her family took me along. I felt a little out of place without my family at such occasions.
This year, the weather proved to be the opposite of last year’s, pouring with rain instead of beaming with sunshine. I’d arrived with my parents this time and there certainly was security at the entrance. They would charge £2 entry fee per person. One guy checked my bag and said I was not allowed to take drinks inside (which peeved me) because this did not happen last year. Everything had to be bought and quite expensive at that, if considering the price in terms of Baht.
But this didn’t stop anyone from buying and enjoying the food. There were still many people who were watching the Thai classical dance performance under a small stand, listening in huddles under umbrellas to the loud music and admiring other aspects of Thai culture on display.
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