On On!
Local Interest
other pleasure is always constant in the countryside: the local children will follow you, shouting in English,“ Hello, what’ s your name?” then laugh hysterically when you answer! The trail will end at a predetermined“ Circle” location – which can be anything from a local restaurant or bar to a convenient spot on the side of a dirt track. Help yourself to cold drinks from the eskies( ice boxes) and socialise with your new friends until the Ringmaster shouts“ Team photo” and then“ Circle up”. Shy? Don’ t worry – everyone will make sure you’ re included in the fun! The Ringmaster invites the Hares into the Circle and calls for a volunteer to rate the trail according to“ suitability for all Hashers”( Hares will sometimes prepare two trails – one easier than the other) and“ interest value”. Anyone not awarding 10 / 10 risks being“ invited” to lay the trail for next week!
Initiation for Newcomers
The time-honoured Circle ritual is to then welcome in turn any“ Hash virgins”( first timers), visitors from other Hash kennels worldwide, returnees, and various“ sinners” who are charged with misdemeanours real and imagined – and different songs for each. A highlight is the allocation of irreverent Hashtags( nicknames) to those who’ ve qualified by running at least six Hashes or laid at least one trail – everyone’ s invited to think of a suitable name, the sillier the better, so let your imagination run wild! After the Circle, which is always great fun, it’ s time to pack up and head back to the meeting place. If it was an“ away” run( out of town), there’ s usually a sing-along on the return bus trip – this is your chance to join in or even impress with a song of your choice, in any language! Sound interesting? You’ re welcome to join us- come along any Sunday, or go to our website for additional information and / or to contact us( especially if you plan to come in a large group): http:// www. vungtauhash. com
On On!
Fresh air, fun and exercise! The MAG Vung Tau 31