FC2Video

Brian & Usa wanted to celebrate the completion of their new home in Nong Soong, Thailand, so they generously hosted an almost open bash that included food, drink, and musical entertainment. It all took place on August 4, 2007. Unfortunately, I was confined here in Canada. My wife, however, was making an extended visit to her Nong Soong home, so she was well-placed to check it out. This video -- unfortunately entirely comprised of night-time footage -- is what she and her two sons managed to record in the stead of me being able to attend and see things for myself.

My wife took this video on June 9, 2007, at Nong Soong, Thailand. Her sons also likely took a spell holding the camera, so I have acknowledged them in the credits. A parade had been held in honour of Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) during the day. Afterwards, a competition and celebration was held in the open market area of Nong Soong where the various small musical groups who had participated in the parade got to do a performance for the crowd. I understand that it was a competition of sorts, and the purpose was to declare a winning performance. This is a small selection of some of what went on. As you'll see, the crowd very much got caught up in the event. Of course, it helps that beer and liquor are openly enjoyed at times like this, since there is no restriction on public drinking, as is the norm here in the West. I miss that open camaraderie! http://siamlongings.blogspot.com/

My wife took this video while on a visit back to her Nong Soong village home in 2007. Granted, the video is often jerky and even sometimes neglected, for it is apparent that there were occasions when she forgot that the camera was running. But I have kept editing at a very minimum. I think the value in the footage lies in the fact that she was able to capture the locals being themselves -- no one is suddenly on best behaviour as would be the case had I been in their midst operating the camera. Also, Jack (Supranee) is able to freely converse with the various subjects of her filming, further capturing their naturalness. Consequently, the film is not really a compilation of scenes of the parade, but more a gathering of background elements of some of the audience, as well as some of the participants involved within the parade. I understand that this may have been the last Rocket Festival to be celebrated in Nong Soong due to the potential hazard for flights at the Udon Thani Airport. I have learned since uploading this video that my wife's sons were responsible for the dizzying parade sequences. So I sincerely apologize for those. http://siamlongings.blogspot.com/ http://siam-longings.com/