MORE WEDDING INFO

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

Kanchana

Albert Einstein

Kanchana and I went to my friend's wedding recently. It was held in a flash establishment and I suppose is similar to what ours will be like. Basically at night it is just a flash dinner perhaps with a speech or two. They had a singer and I think we have some music but no singer. But it is nothing exciting. Just food and drink and sitting around trying to talk and hear what people are saying.

I have attached some pictures so you can see what people wore.

We only went to the night time bit, not the day time bit also.

Kanchana and I with Teacher Pom at her wedding

From what I understand our wedding may start as early as 6 am. At that time we will sit and wait and greet family and friends as they arrive. Kanchana's boss will come at some stage and give us a blessing. Then some people will look at my dowry payment and Kanchana's Mum will take it (I am not sure if we will see her after that or perhaps she will be on the first flight to Switzerland). Then we exchange rings and necklaces and bracelets (actually I only get a ring, but Kanchana gets heaps of stuff). Maybe there will be a break in the ceremony then? At some stage people can come and wash our hands with water as a blessing for us (that is all you guys - but not kids). Old people that haven't been divorced can tie a piece of string to us (Kanchana couldn't explain this to me in English). Before lunch 9 monks will come and chant and then we'll feed them.

Mimi and her parents

I think that is it, although neither Kanchana nor I are 100% sure at this stage. We may be able to provide some Thai style breakfast when you arrive but for lunch you will have to get it yourself. From lunch until about 6pm there will be a long break and the dinner bit will start about 6

Buck's Party. Oh, one friend asked me about a best man and a Buck's Party. I intend to have neither. Actually it is Thai custom to be a monk before marriage, but I can't fit this in at the moment. The wedding is very expensive and marks the start of married life and it seems rather silly and quite inconsiderate for me to go out late and get drunk prior to it. I would rather enjoy the wedding and feel happy and not sick during it. Also my Mum and many friends and family will have just arrived in Thailand for the first time, so I would like to spend time with them prior to the wedding.

Our table

I am not totally against drinking or fun, but perhaps we can do this after the wedding at some stage if some people want to. OK?

Oh. I will organize accommodation for the people that want me to. Let me know. That way many of you will be close together and can travel around together. I will try to organize something nice as I want you to like Thailand, but nothing too expensive.

Paul and Kanchana

Singer

Smiling

Some of the other teachers

Teacher Pom's wedding