Last night we got to go to a performance of traditional Thai dance, this one called the Menora, or bird dance. Whatever it's called, and whatever it is intended to represent, the performance was exquisite, and it was done by some pretty young folks who have obviously spent hundreds or perhaps thousands of hours learning the dance and developing their considerable capabilities.
This was a grand opening event, and so it was free to all, including a buffet dinner and transportation into the city and back. The Mayor of Chumphon was their and spoke, along with other dignitaries and no doubt wealthy business members of the community as well. At one point they all lined up on stage for the obligatory photo op as civic leaders of Chumphon, and there was a lot of talk about promoting Chumphon as a tourist and as an expat destination, rather than just the place which people come to in order to be able to get to some of the well known islands.
It's interesting that we have also met a small group of maybe five Thai guys previously, who were starting a vegetarian restaurant and also a Railway Station free food buffet (pay what you like) and live music venue. Last we heard about them they have put the restaurant on hold and are focusing on the Railway events, which are now nightly, and are so successful that they apparently don't see the need to develop the restaurant. What's interesting about having met these guys many weeks ago now is that they are also very interested in promoting Chumphon as a place to be, and as a cultural and nature destination. There's a new and active movement afoot here, which clearly has the backing not only of local small fry, but of the top political and commerce figures.
This was a grand opening event, and so it was free to all, including a buffet dinner and transportation into the city and back. The Mayor of Chumphon was their and spoke, along with other dignitaries and no doubt wealthy business members of the community as well. At one point they all lined up on stage for the obligatory photo op as civic leaders of Chumphon, and there was a lot of talk about promoting Chumphon as a tourist and as an expat destination, rather than just the place which people come to in order to be able to get to some of the well known islands.
It's interesting that we have also met a small group of maybe five Thai guys previously, who were starting a vegetarian restaurant and also a Railway Station free food buffet (pay what you like) and live music venue. Last we heard about them they have put the restaurant on hold and are focusing on the Railway events, which are now nightly, and are so successful that they apparently don't see the need to develop the restaurant. What's interesting about having met these guys many weeks ago now is that they are also very interested in promoting Chumphon as a place to be, and as a cultural and nature destination. There's a new and active movement afoot here, which clearly has the backing not only of local small fry, but of the top political and commerce figures.
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