Narathiwat Town Parade

I had planned on leaving Narathiwat today.  But as it turns out it was the town parade this morning.  And what a parade at that.  It seemed to go on forever with legions of kiddy brass bands, people in costume, soldiers and fairly ok floats.


It was interesting to note the number of Muslim ladies taking part.  They were by far the largest population group in the parade.


On the way back to the brothel, oops hotel, I bumped into Hans, a German who spent all of his adult years in America.  Another retire, at 71, he has lived in Narathiwat for many years.  He befriended a school teacher whom he convinced to retire early.  She now looks after him as a live in nurse/girlfriend.


On the way to tea with Hans he pointed out a number of buildings that were sealed off.  These are "factories" to produce swallow nests.  The nests are processed for the Chinese medicinal properties they contain.  When you look you'll notice a lot of the buildings are sealed for these factories.  Where do the people live?


Hans explained to me a lot of the violence that was happening in the area.  It's quite horrific and I can't say I could side with either side.


When I went to retire to bed upstairs I greeted the ladies.  They were playing a game on the floor which I'd heard them playing for a few nights.  I sat down to watch.  It turns out it was Bingo they were playing.  I was invited to play and then only realised it was for money.  Damnation!  I lost 3 games in a row and went to bed.