I Have Heard Of Racing Bulldogs And Racing Canaries,

also racing buffalos and today was the day to see the buffalo racing, it took place at the other side of Lake Maprachan on Soi Siam Country Club,

first past a couple of mobile food stalls,

then have a look at some of the competitors, we were at the finish end of the course so we made our way down to the half way stage,

on the way the beer stall looked very busy, there were stalls selling just about everything,

these were some sort of jelly like candies,

and lots of them,

at the end of the day at the half way stage the prizes would be given out,

competitors from previous races had to be led to the start line,

and then they are off! no a false start, so buffalo boys spring into action to capture any animals that have dismounted their jockeys,

now the real thing, these huge beats hurtling down the track,

it is amazing how the jockeys stay on, no stirrups or saddles,

then the animals are lead back to the start line,

to give you an idea of the length of the track from the same spot this is looking towards the start,

across from us,

and the finish line,

a jockey with a precarious grip on his steed,

in the sun waiting between races,

and the contestants being lead back to the start, there were so many false starts, so some one has to stop the riderless buffaloes and bring them back to the start, note to young inexperienced would be cowboys, throwing your 45 kilo frame in the path of a three quarters of a ton of running buffalo is never going to end in your favour, the older hands used just that, their hands spread out and slowed the animal down - never a direct assault - fun to watch though!

and the next race with all running hard for the finish, we watched a few more than made our way back, after all it was Saturday and we had the shopping to do,

lots of things on sale here, balloon anyone?

of course all of the stalls were mobile, some with sleeping accommodation!

then back from Friendship fully loaded for tonight,

Tom and Mr. Tony were here, Mr.Tony regaling us with stories of his stay in the UK,

Anchisa, Diana and Mark,

Mark had decided to make some sweet and sour pork balls, they were so nice! not one was left in very short order,

meanwhile Diana and Anchisa had made chili-con-carne, with rice,

also with us was Big Jim and Peter,

everyone fully enjoyed the food,

and the girls had theirs watching the fish in the living room,

then on to deserts, Big Jim and Mr.Tony spoilt everyone with a selection of ice cream,

a little bit of all of them for me!

as usual Mr. Tony really enjoyed himself! but a lovely evening was had by all, after all of our friends left another friend Steve B2 called in for a light liquid refreshment, then it was time for bed.