AWOL 2014 Issue 282 16th May | Page 15

Advertise here from only 40 baht per week to hull and back Mags Meanderings: From Som Tam To Mushy Peas culturally twinned? It must be about time that the ‘powers that be’ considered twinning Hua Hin with Hull? After all there are some eery similarities between the two. OK maybe not many, and certainly nothing involving climate conditions. But there are at least tenuous links in the form of Polo and Jazz. First Polo. As many of you will know Hua Hin has hosted the King’s Cup Tournament in elephant polo for the past 12 years. Sadly the tournament is being moved to Bangkok this year, but over in Hull on May 12th the city’s football stadium became the first of it’s kind in England to play host to polo of the horse born variety. Seven sets of hooves pounding around on hallowed turf for the duration of 4 polo matches might not seem like a good idea to the average football fan, but the pitch was scheduled to be dug up the next day, providing an ideal opportunity to bring polo to Hull’s masses. The few - about 300 - who did turn up for a pleasant - and free - afternoon were impressed. We can only hope for better attendances at the many events being planned for 2017, Hull’s year as UK City of Culture. Next is Jazz. Hua Hin will of course host it’s popular annual Jazz Festival again next month. Meanwhile on May 10th the beach in front of of the Centara Grand Hotel was the venue for an extra event - Hua Hin Asia Jazz Festival. By sheer coincidence Yours Truly was also at a Jazz gig on the same day. This one fortunately an indoor performance forming part of the Hull Jazz Festival. (Our ‘April showers’ seem to have misread the calendar this year.) Now, to me jazz should preferably involve a saxophone or two, keyboards, and double bass. Drums, violin and guitar are also perfectly acceptable. Anything in fact which will provide for soft haunting melodies or more upbeat rhythms. So my introduction to improvised jazz We have a new ad size! eighth page Prices 4 issues: 1,800 baht (450 baht per issue) 13 issues: 4,940 baht (380 baht per issue) 52 issues: 15,600 baht (300 baht per issue) All prices based on advance payment Please contact us on 081 649 8361 or [email protected] for more information Dream Guesthouse Cheap room for rent from just 350 baht 0915094729 Th/Eng 0805626735 Swe/Eng Soi 94 (1st left after 7-11) was a bit of a shock. Not that the musicians were lacking in skill. Far from it. And it must be cultural, mustn’t it? There are no doubt some of you out there who will appreciate improvisation, and for those who do it will be worth checking out the band ‘Eyes Shut Tight’ online. For me though I’m afraid it was a relief to escape into the rain and find the nearest hostelry. Which brings us to one final, but very important event this month. I realise that there are just a few Arsenal supporters in your midst, but please Hua Hinians find it in your hearts this Saturday to offer up a prayer for Hull City at Wembley! We need all the prayers we can get.... Word of the week is ‘mulatto’. A word that Jeremy Clarkson might be advised to add to his vocabulary in an attempt to avoid possible future brushes with the PC brigade. KEEP CALM AND FIND PARADISE Sopha Land and Houses sell land in a beautiful unspoilt area about 200 km south of Hua Hin. There are miles of beaches and prices and costs of living are still quite inexpensive. For information ring Sopha (English/ Thai) on 083 3240907 or visit www.sophalandhouse.com Join the AWOL forum 15